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 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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 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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 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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
similitude_n of_o god_n and_o to_o tell_v the_o plain_a truth_n which_o when_o thou_o have_v try_v what_o be_v here_o set_v down_o thou_o will_v know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o be_v of_o the_o same_o substance_n and_o matter_n that_o the_o angel_n be_v make_v of_o i_o mean_v the_o bless_a angel_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o angel_n and_o so_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o for_o his_o body_n and_o spirit_n whence_o that_o come_v and_o what_o they_o be_v i_o will_v set_v down_o by_o and_o by_o that_o which_o concern_v that_o man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o great_a world_n or_o macrocosm_n and_o participate_v of_o all_o the_o influence_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o superior_a and_o inferior_a world_n yea_o of_o all_o creature_n good_a and_o bad_a and_o that_o for_o this_o cause_n because_o he_o be_v make_v of_o that_o very_a matter_n and_o chaos_n whereof_o all_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o it_o which_o be_v a_o most_o high_a mystery_n to_o understand_v and_o must_v nay_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o he_o that_o expect_v good_a from_o this_o art_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o wisdom_n thereof_o foolish_a man_n nay_o they_o that_o the_o world_n hold_v for_o great_a doctor_n say_v and_o tell_v it_o for_o truth_n that_o god_n make_v man_n of_o a_o piece_n of_o mud_n or_o clay_n or_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v false_a it_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n but_o a_o quintessential_a matter_n which_o be_v call_v earth_n but_o be_v no_o earth_n the_o fall_n of_o man_n deprave_v all_o thing_n yea_o all_o the_o creature_n suffer_v in_o it_o and_o himself_o most_o of_o all_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v sin_v himself_o and_o his_o wife_n his_o wife_n first_o both_o of_o they_o turn_v into_o monster_n in_o respect_n of_o what_o they_o be_v in_o their_o innocency_n adam_n have_v another_o body_n before_o his_o fall_n than_o what_o he_o have_v after_o and_o so_o far_o different_a that_o if_o we_o shall_v behold_v adam_n as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o innocency_n we_o shall_v admire_v the_o glory_n of_o he_o and_o tremble_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o he_o as_o at_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o angel_n i_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o body_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n save_v only_o this_o such_o a_o body_n as_o he_o bring_v from_o heaven_n with_o he_o such_o a_o body_n shall_v we_o arise_v with_o and_o with_o such_o body_n shall_v our_o soul_n be_v endow_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n otherwise_o man_n shall_v not_o differ_v from_o angel_n for_o this_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v put_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v by_o regeneration_n nor_o do_v this_o cross_a sacred_a writ_n if_o it_o be_v right_o understand_v i_o speak_v nothing_o likewise_o of_o our_o bless_a lady_n what_o body_n she_o have_v but_o when_o thou_o shall_v have_v examine_v what_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o then_o will_v thou_o find_v what_o i_o say_v be_v true_a and_o understand_v they_o in_o a_o plain_a manner_n but_o i_o forbear_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o mystery_n know_v to_o so_o few_o he_o that_o live_v according_a to_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o live_v to_o be_v bless_v with_o this_o art_n shall_v glorify_v his_o creator_n and_o know_v he_o more_o than_o any_o man_n can_v do_v but_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n all_o will_v be_v know_v but_o to_o my_o former_a purpose_n man_n the_o microcosm_n or_o little_a world_n from_o the_o astre_n or_o star_n receive_v spirit_n from_o the_o great_a world_n his_o body_n and_o from_o god_n immediate_o his_o soul_n so_o here_o be_v a_o illucidation_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n of_o these_o three_o man_n consist_v of_o these_o he_o be_v compound_v thus_o he_o have_v his_o production_n from_o the_o world_n for_o what_o concern_v his_o body_n or_o humane_a part_n let_v we_o now_o as_o full_o as_o we_o may_v say_v something_o of_o the_o production_n of_o the_o great_a world_n out_o of_o nothing_o when_o there_o be_v neither_o time_n nor_o place_n do_v god_n create_v a_o certain_a chaos_n invisible_a intangible_a which_o the_o philosopher_n call_v hyle_n or_o the_o most_o remote_a matter_n out_o of_o this_o he_o make_v a_o extract_n or_o second_o matter_n or_o chaos_n which_o the_o philosopher_n know_v not_o by_o speculation_n but_o by_o sense_n that_o matter_n be_v and_o be_v visible_a and_o tangible_a in_o which_o be_v and_o be_v all_o the_o seed_n and_o form_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n superior_a and_o inferior_a that_o ever_o be_v make_v from_o this_o god_n divide_v the_o four_o element_n in_o a_o word_n do_v make_v all_o thing_n celestial_a and_o terrestrial_a the_o angel_n sun_n moon_n and_o star_n the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o philosopher_n upon_o this_o chaos_n bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o wisdom_n and_o from_o hence_o next_o god_n seek_v thou_o and_o find_v all_o wisdom_n this_o be_v not_o a_o fancy_n or_o conceit_n that_o i_o tell_v thou_o but_o what_o i_o know_v and_o have_v prove_v it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o substance_n as_o with_o the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o it_o make_v thou_o know_v the_o generation_n and_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o yet_o this_o chaos_n be_v since_o the_o fall_v likewise_o corrupt_v thus_o brief_o have_v i_o discourse_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o perhaps_o thou_o do_v not_o believe_v or_o never_o hear_v of_o before_o but_o if_o thou_o be_v ordain_v to_o know_v this_o science_n i_o have_v tread_v the_o path_n for_o thou_o but_o i_o fear_v thou_o understand_v i_o not_o yet_o have_v i_o say_v more_o than_o wisdom_n will_v i_o shall_v but_o i_o know_v it_o shall_v be_v to_o his_o good_a only_a to_o who_o god_n appoint_v it_o my_o intent_n be_v for_o certain_a reason_n that_o i_o have_v not_o to_o prate_v too_o much_o of_o the_o matter_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o only_o one_o thing_n already_o too_o plain_o describe_v nor_o of_o the_o preparation_n by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v the_o second_o and_o great_a secret_n but_o i_o have_v constitute_v these_o line_n for_o the_o good_a of_o he_o that_o shall_v make_v the_o stone_n if_o it_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o a_o one_o for_o to_o he_o it_o shall_v show_v and_o set_v down_o in_o plain_a term_n as_o plain_a as_o possible_o my_o pen_n can_v write_v to_o the_o very_a letter_n such_o magical_a and_o natural_a use_n of_o it_o as_o many_o that_o have_v have_v it_o never_o know_v nor_o hear_v of_o and_o such_o as_o when_o i_o behold_v they_o make_v my_o knee_n to_o tremble_v and_o my_o heart_n to_o shake_v and_o i_o to_o stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o i_o do_v therefore_o charge_v thou_o whosoever_o thou_o be_v that_o shall_v be_v bless_v with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o treatise_n that_o as_o thou_o will_v answer_v the_o contrary_a at_o the_o great_a day_n thou_o let_v no_o man_n see_v it_o but_o he_o that_o have_v the_o stone_n perfect_a for_o if_o thou_o shall_v meet_v with_o such_o a_o one_o which_o be_v hard_o to_o do_v and_o that_o he_o have_v bring_v it_o to_o the_o full_a perfection_n thou_o by_o impart_v such_o magical_a and_o physical_a thing_n and_o other_o rare_a secret_n which_o be_v here_o set_v down_o and_o by_o the_o stone_n to_o be_v do_v he_o shall_v not_o only_o give_v thou_o gold_n sufficient_a but_o also_o shall_v show_v thou_o the_o true_a and_o right_a way_n and_o the_o matter_n with_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o to_o make_v it_o full_a and_o perfect_a for_o let_v i_o assure_v thou_o i_o have_v know_v many_o that_o have_v have_v it_o that_o never_o know_v more_o than_o the_o bare_a transmutation_n of_o metal_n and_o by_o the_o book_n of_o the_o philosopher_n it_o appear_v that_o some_o of_o they_o nay_o more_o than_o that_o many_o of_o they_o have_v kill_v themselves_o by_o take_v it_o for_o the_o want_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o use_n of_o it_o never_o doubt_v therefore_o but_o thou_o shall_v obtain_v what_o thou_o will_v of_o he_o that_o have_v iâ—_n by_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o here_o write_v therefore_o again_o and_o again_o i_o charge_v thou_o not_o to_o part_v with_o it_o nor_o to_o tell_v any_o man_n of_o it_o although_o none_o can_v make_v use_n of_o it_o but_o he_o that_o have_v the_o stone_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o i_o will_v now_o show_v thou_o the_o several_a use_n of_o it_o the_o first_o for_o health_n and_o the_o manner_n how_o to_o use_v it_o the_o second_o be_v for_o multiplication_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o master_n three_o the_o make_n of_o all_o manner_n
fundamentalis_fw-la medice_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la in_o his_o kingdom_n be_v a_o glass_n in_o which_o all_o the_o world_n be_v see_v out_o of_o this_o those_o that_o know_v the_o virtue_n of_o herb_n and_o all_o thing_n make_v the_o best_a physician_n and_o indeed_o if_o the_o doctor_n be_v not_o such_o as_o to_o understand_v perfect_o why_o this_o herb_n be_v such_o and_o such_o why_o in_o this_o and_o this_o degree_n cold_a or_o hot_a moist_a or_o dry_a he_o be_v no_o doctor_n not_o out_o of_o the_o library_n of_o galen_n or_o avicenna_n but_o out_o of_o the_o fountain_n of_o nature_n the_o fundamental_a physician_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v as_o for_o this_o hydropyrographum_fw-la herâ—meticum_n which_o i_o have_v strip_v of_o the_o german_a and_o put_v into_o a_o english_a dress_n i_o know_v that_o some_o will_v finâ—_n fault_n with_o it_o for_o find_v no_o princess_n in_o it_o other_o will_v be_v offendeâ—_n at_o the_o simpleness_n and_o homelineâ—_n of_o its_o garb_n other_o because_o â—_o speak_v not_o quite_o out_o and_o dotâ—_n not_o betray_v the_o mystery_n to_o everâ—_n capacity_n but_o let_v they_o weigh_v a_o that_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o address_n to_o the_o reader_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a all_o these_o fume_n will_v vanish_v to_o northing_n so_o farewell_n hydropyrographum_fw-la hermeticum_n dear_o son_n to_o point_v out_o unto_o thou_o succinct_o a_o memorandum_n as_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a stone_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o its_o preparation_n i_o give_v thou_o this_o information_n that_o the_o say_a stone_n be_v compound_v and_o engender_v of_o two_o thing_n spiritu_fw-la viz._n body_n and_o spirit_n or_o of_o masculine_a and_o feminine_a seed_n that_o be_v of_o the_o water_n of_o mercury_n and_o of_o the_o body_n of_o sol_n whereof_o we_o find_v sufficient_a proof_n and_o attestation_n in_o all_o true_a write_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o therefore_o i_o count_v it_o needless_a to_o enlarge_v myself_o by_o quote_v of_o they_o the_o upshot_n of_o all_o therefore_o be_v aquam_fw-la that_o first_o of_o all_o mercury_n be_v dissolve_v and_o reduce_v into_o a_o spiritual_a water_n which_o be_v term_v by_o the_o philosopher_n the_o first_o matter_n of_o metal_n the_o juice_n of_o lune_fw-fr aqua_fw-la vitæ_fw-la quintessence_n a_o fiery_a ardent_a water_n or_o brandy_n by_o which_o water_n or_o prime_a matter_n materiam_fw-la metal_n be_v unlock_v or_o untie_v and_o free_v from_o their_o hard_a and_o stiff_a bond_n and_o reduce_v into_o their_o first_o and_o uniform_a nature_n such_o as_o the_o water_n of_o mercury_n itself_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n the_o philosopher_n present_v unto_o we_o in_o their_o book_n the_o example_n of_o ice_n or_o freeze_a water_n which_o by_o heat_n be_v reduce_v into_o water_n because_o before_o its_o coagulation_n it_o have_v be_v water_n fuit_fw-la also_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o the_o very_a same_o principle_n from_o which_o each_o thing_n have_v its_o rise_n it_o may_v be_v reduce_v oâ—_n bring_v back_o to_o what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o thence_o they_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o transmute_v metal_n into_o gold_n or_o silver_n without_o reduce_v they_o first_o into_o their_o prima_fw-la materia_fw-la concern_v therefore_o the_o bring_n about_o this_o regeneration_n of_o metal_n fiat_fw-la thou_o must_v diligent_o heed_n and_o observe_v my_o belove_a son_n that_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v only_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o prime_a matter_n of_o metal_n that_o be_v the_o water_n of_o mercury_n and_o by_o nothing_o beside_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o this_o water_n be_v next_o of_o kin_n unto_o the_o metallick_n nature_n amica_fw-la in_o so_o much_o that_o after_o their_o mutual_a and_o uniform_a commixture_n they_o can_v never_o be_v any_o more_o part_v asunder_o this_o the_o philosopher_n in_o the_o turba_n and_o other_o book_n signify_v unto_o we_o say_v nature_n rejoice_v in_o its_o nature_n nature_n sustain_v nature_n â—t_a amend_v nature_n it_o reduce_v nature_n nature_n overcome_v nature_n consequent_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v this_o bless_a water_n and_o its_o preparation_n which_o water_n be_v a_o hot_a igneus_fw-la fiery_a pierce_a spirit_n the_o philosophical_a water_n and_o the_o hide_a key_n of_o this_o art_n for_o without_o this_o all_o the_o labour_n and_o work_v of_o alchemy_n be_v fruitless_a and_o frustraneous_a observe_v therefore_o my_o son_n and_o mark_v that_o all_o the_o groundwork_n of_o the_o philosopher_n stone_n lapidis_fw-la consist_v in_o this_o that_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o prima_fw-la materia_fw-la metallorum_fw-la that_o be_v with_o thâ—_n water_n of_o mercury_n we_o reduce_v and_o bring_v back_o the_o perfect_a body_n of_o sâ—_n to_o a_o new_a birth_n that_o it_o be_v borâ—_n again_o by_o water_n and_o spirit_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o of_o wâ—â—ter_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n he_o can_v sâ—_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n so_o likewise_o iâ—_n this_o art_n i_o tell_v thou_o my_o son_n uâ—â—less_v the_o body_n of_o sol_n be_v sow_v in_o iâ—_n proper_a soil_n your_o labour_n be_v in_o vaâ—_n and_o it_o produce_v no_o fruit_n as_o christ_n our_o saviour_n say_v unless_o a_o grain_n of_o wheat_n fall_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o die_v and_o rot_v it_o bring_v no_o fruit_n so_o when_o the_o body_n of_o sol_n be_v regenerate_v by_o water_n and_o spirit_n astrale_n there_o grow_v and_o come_v forth_o a_o clarify_a astral_a eternal_a immortal_a body_n bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n and_o able_a to_o multiply_v itself_o like_a unto_o vegetable_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o philosopher_n roger_n bacon_n speak_v i_o do_v assure_v you_o that_o if_o the_o astrum_n do_v cast_v and_o impress_v its_o inclination_n into_o such_o a_o clarify_a body_n of_o gold_n that_o it_o will_v not_o lose_v its_o power_n and_o virtue_n to_o the_o very_a last_o assay_n or_o judgement_n for_o the_o body_n be_v perfect_a and_o agree_v to_o all_o element_n but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o regenerate_v no_o new_a nor_o great_a châ—miâ_fw-la nor_o pure_a nor_o high_o nor_o better_a thing_n can_v come_v of_o it_o he_o that_o do_v not_o know_v nor_o understand_v this_o regeneration_n of_o metal_n wrought_v in_o nature_n by_o the_o water_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o prima_fw-la materia_fw-la ought_v not_o to_o meddle_v at_o all_o with_o this_o art_n for_o in_o truth_n without_o this_o all_o be_v but_o falsity_n lie_n unprofitable_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n yea_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o effect_v it_o otherways_o hence_o be_v that_o excellent_a say_n of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o every_o thing_n bring_v forth_o its_o like_a and_o what_o a_o man_n sow_v the_o same_o he_o shall_v also_o reap_v and_o no_o other_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o philosopher_n richardus_fw-la anglicus_n say_v sow_v gold_n and_o silver_n that_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o nature_n they_o may_v bring_v fruit._n chemiam_fw-la consequently_n my_o son_n thou_o ought_v to_o choose_v no_o other_o body_n for_o thy_o work_n but_o gold_n because_o that_o all_o other_o body_n be_v rank_a and_o imperfect_a and_o therefore_o also_o the_o philosopher_n make_v choice_n of_o gold_n before_o all_o other_o body_n because_o it_o be_v of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o most_o perfect_a illuminate_v all_o other_o body_n and_o infuse_v life_n into_o they_o anâ—_n because_o it_o be_v of_o a_o fixated_a incombustible_a nature_n of_o a_o constant_a or_o abide_a root_n and_o fire_n proof_n also_o because_o as_o roger_n bacon_n say_v the_o corporal_a gold_n as_o to_o its_o nobility_n and_o perfection_n can_v be_v change_v and_o be_v the_o utmost_a bind_v and_o term_v of_o all_o natural_a generation_n and_o there_o be_v no_o perfect_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o like_a teach_v also_o the_o philosopher_n isaacus_n hollandus_n say_v our_o stone_n can_v be_v extract_v from_o any_o other_o but_o a_o perfect_a body_n yea_o the_o most_o perfect_a in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o perfect_a body_n extrahitur_fw-la what_o stone_n can_v be_v extract_v thence_o in_o regard_n that_o it_o must_v have_v power_n to_o quicken_v all_o dead_a body_n to_o purify_v the_o unclean_a to_o mollify_v those_o that_o be_v hard_a and_o harden_v those_o that_o be_v soft_a and_o in_o truth_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o extract_v so_o powerful_a a_o stone_n out_o of_o a_o imperfect_a and_o crazy_a body_n for_o a_o good_a perfect_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v get_v from_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a and_o unclean_a and_o although_o many_o do_v fancy_n that_o such_o a_o extraction_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v yet_o they_o err_v gross_o and_o be_v very_o unwise_a therefore_o my_o son_n observe_z auro_fw-la that_o the_o
wine_n be_v mix_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o water_n and_o terrene_a terrestriety_n but_o by_o mean_n of_o a_o artificial_a distillation_n the_o dry_a spirit_n of_o wine_n may_v be_v sever_v from_o all_o the_o phlegmatic_a humidity_n and_o terrene_a terrestriety_n in_o so_o much_o that_o all_o the_o spirit_n be_v sever_v from_o the_o water_n existent_n in_o wine_n and_o the_o water_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o then_o remain_v the_o lees_n out_o of_o which_o a_o white_a salt_n be_v extract_v and_o join_v again_o with_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o the_o spirit_n be_v distil_v and_o cohobate_v divers_a time_n until_o all_o the_o salt_n be_v go_v over_o with_o it_o whereby_o the_o spirit_n be_v huge_o fortify_v and_o acuate_v and_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v a_o notable_a typical_a description_n represent_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o philosopher_n which_o in_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o water_n of_o mercury_n we_o ought_v to_o imitate_v for_o after_o its_o dissolution_n we_o ought_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o have_v be_v teach_v of_o the_o wine_n by_o sublimation_n sever_v the_o water_n or_o phlegm_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o rectify_v the_o earth_n and_o join_v and_o distil_v it_o together_o with_o the_o spirit_n until_o all_o together_o come_v over_o the_o helm_n of_o which_o preparation_n of_o this_o water_n none_o of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n have_v write_v more_o clear_o nor_o better_a than_o raymund_n lullie_o mercurii_n viz._n in_o testamento_fw-la novissimo_fw-la as_o also_o in_o the_o first_o testament_n in_o libro_fw-la mercuriorum_n libro_fw-la q._n essentiae_fw-la etc._n etc._n where_o he_o do_v plain_o enough_o declare_v that_o after_o the_o putrefaction_n separation_n distillation_n of_o the_o philosophical_a spirit_n of_o wine_n the_o spiritual_a water_n be_v to_o be_v mix_v again_o and_o distil_v with_o its_o own_o earth_n that_o it_o come_v over_o with_o it_o he_o declare_v also_o how_o this_o philosophical_a wine_n or_o menstruum_fw-la be_v fortify_v and_o acuate_v with_o its_o own_o salt_n and_o further_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v corâ—us_fw-la that_o this_o water_n menstruum_fw-la or_o philosophical_a spirit_n of_o wine_n be_v thus_o prepare_v do_v dissolve_v or_o open_v its_o own_o body_n or_o mercury_n vive_fw-fr into_o the_o primum_fw-la ens_fw-la or_o primogenial_a water_n whereby_o it_o be_v multiply_v without_o end_n by_o mean_n of_o putrefaction_n and_o distillation_n but_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o extraction_n of_o this_o water_n be_v confirm_v by_o arnoldus_fw-la de_fw-la villâ_fw-la nouâ_fw-la say_v it_o be_v a_o substance_n full_a of_o vapour_n which_o contain_v in_o itself_o a_o fat_a humidity_n whereof_o the_o artist_n sever_v the_o philosopher_n humidity_n such_o as_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o work_n and_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o tear_n of_o eye_n wherein_o dwell_v the_o quintessence_n in_o a_o metallick_n nature_n very_o proper_a for_o the_o metal_n and_o therein_o be_v the_o tincture_n to_o bring_v forth_o a_o entire_a metal_n for_o it_o contain_v the_o nature_n both_o of_o argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr and_o also_o of_o sulphur_n rosarius_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la say_v concern_v the_o distillation_n of_o this_o menstruum_fw-la or_o water_n mircurii_fw-la that_o great_a industry_n and_o care_n must_v be_v have_v and_o that_o the_o vessel_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o cleanse_n of_o this_o spirit_n must_v be_v of_o glass_n and_o exact_o close_v to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v find_v no_o vent_n nor_o place_n to_o fly_v through_o it_o be_v very_o forward_o to_o make_v its_o way_n through_o any_o hole_n it_o find_v and_o if_o the_o red_a spirit_n shall_v be_v go_v the_o artist_n will_v lose_v his_o labour_n the_o philosopher_n call_v the_o red_a spirit_n blood_n and_o menstruum_fw-la therefore_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o have_v good_a vessel_n and_o to_o have_v the_o joint_n well_o lute_v that_o you_o may_v get_v the_o dry_a spirit_n with_o its_o blood_n into_o the_o receiver_n by_o itself_o without_o evaporation_n of_o its_o virtue_n and_o keep_v it_o until_o thou_o have_v occasion_n to_o work_v with_o it_o but_o concern_v this_o distillation_n the_o ocular_a inspection_n go_v beyond_o writing_n and_o none_o can_v be_v a_o master_n before_o he_o have_v be_v a_o scholar_n or_o apprentice_n be_v provident_a therefore_o and_o discreet_a in_o thy_o work_n aqua_fw-la lay_v on_o a_o receiver_n and_o first_o distil_v by_o a_o gentle_a fire_n the_o element_n of_o water_n which_o be_v over_o put_v it_o aside_o and_o lay_v on_o another_o receiver_n and_o close_o the_o joint_n exact_o that_o the_o spirit_n may_v not_o vapour_n away_o increase_v the_o fire_n a_o little_a and_o there_o will_v rise_v in_o the_o helm_n a_o dry_a yellow_a spirit_n continue_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o fire_n so_o long_o as_o the_o spirit_n come_v yellow_a but_o when_o the_o alembick_a begin_v to_o be_v red_a then_o increase_v the_o fire_n very_o gentle_o and_o keep_v it_o go_v on_o thus_o until_o the_o red_a spirit_n and_o blood_n be_v quite_o come_v over_o which_o in_o its_o ascend_a and_o go_v through_o the_o helm_n will_v appear_v in_o the_o form_n of_o cloud_n in_o the_o air_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o red_a spirit_n be_v distil_v over_o the_o helm_n will_v be_v white_a and_o then_o cease_v quick_o and_o thus_o you_o have_v in_o the_o receiver_n the_o two_o element_n of_o air_n and_o fire_n have_v extract_v the_o true_a dry_a spirit_n and_o sever_v the_o pure_a from_o the_o impure_a loe_o now_o you_o have_v the_o prima_fw-la materia_fw-la metallorum_fw-la wherein_o the_o body_n be_v reduce_v for_o all_o the_o metal_n have_v their_o rise_n from_o water_n aquâ_fw-la which_o be_v a_o â—oot_n of_o all_o metal_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v reduce_v into_o water_n like_v as_o the_o freeze_a ice_n by_o heat_n be_v reduce_v into_o water_n because_o it_o have_v be_v water_n before_o do_v not_o marvel_v at_o it_o for_o all_o thing_n upon_o earth_n have_v their_o root_n and_o rise_v from_o water_n o_o how_o many_o there_o be_v that_o work_n and_o never_o think_v upon_o the_o root_n which_o be_v the_o key_n to_o the_o whole_a work_n it_o dissolve_v the_o body_n ready_o aqua_fw-la it_o be_v father_n and_o mother_n it_o open_v and_o shut_v and_o reduce_v metal_n into_o what_o they_o have_v be_v in_o the_o beginning_n it_o dissolve_v the_o body_n and_o coagulate_v itself_o together_o with_o they_o the_o spirit_n be_v carry_v upon_o the_o water_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v see_v there_o operate_n which_o be_v do_v when_o the_o body_n be_v put_v into_o the_o water_n whereupon_o the_o philosopher_n say_v look_v upon_o that_o despicable_a thing_n whereby_o our_o secret_n be_v open_v for_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o all_o know_v well_o and_o he_o that_o know_v it_o not_o will_v hardly_o or_o never_o find_v it_o the_o wise_a man_n keep_v it_o and_o the_o fool_n throw_v it_o away_o and_o the_o reduction_n be_v easy_a to_o he_o that_o know_v it_o secretum_fw-la but_o my_o son_n it_o be_v the_o great_a secret_n to_o free_a this_o stone_n or_o mercury_n vive_fw-fr from_o its_o natural_a bond_n wherewith_o he_o be_v tie_v by_o nature_n that_o be_v to_o dissolve_v and_o reduce_v it_o into_o its_o primigenial_a water_n for_o without_o this_o be_v do_v all_o will_v prove_v but_o labour_v lose_v for_o else_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o sever_v and_o extract_v the_o true_a spirit_n or_o watery_a substance_n which_o dissolve_v the_o body_n aquâ—_fw-la and_o this_o solution_n have_v be_v conceal_v by_o all_o the_o philosopher_n who_o leave_v it_o unto_o god_n almighty_n dispose_n anathematise_v that_o man_n that_o shall_v open_o reveal_v it_o and_o therefore_o they_o speak_v very_o subtle_o and_o concise_o concern_v the_o solution_n of_o this_o crude_a body_n to_o the_o end_n that_o it_o may_v remain_v occult_a unto_o the_o unwise_a mediâ—_n but_o my_o son_n thou_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o solution_n of_o mercury_n vive_fw-fr will_v hardly_o be_v perform_v without_o a_o mean_n but_o none_o such_o be_v to_o be_v use_v as_o be_v sophistical_a as_o many_o rude_a unwise_a and_o ignorant_a fool_n use_v to_o do_v who_o by_o strange_a extravagant_a way_n reduce_v mercury_n into_o water_n suppose_v that_o to_o be_v the_o right_a water_n they_o sublime_a mercury_n with_o corrosive_n mercurii_n with_o all_o sort_n of_o salt_n and_o vitriol_n from_o which_o the_o sublimed_a mercury_n attract_v the_o salty_n spirit_n and_o then_o afterward_o they_o dissolve_v the_o sublimate_n into_o water_n in_o balneo_fw-la or_o in_o the_o cellar_n or_o divers_a other_o way_n item_n they_o reduce_v it_o into_o water_n by_o salt-armoniack_a by_o herb_n soap_n aquafort_n by_o mean_n of_o strange_a kind_n of_o vessel_n and_o many_o the_o like_a sophistical_a proceed_n all_o which_o be_v but_o
perceive_v that_o water_n be_v the_o first_o matter_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v bear_v or_o generate_v in_o the_o world_n for_o certain_o it_o be_v manifest_a unto_o thou_o that_o nothing_o grow_v or_o receive_v increase_v without_o the_o four_o element_n therefore_o whatsoever_o be_v elementate_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o four_o element_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v that_o the_o original_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v bear_v or_o grow_v shall_v be_v of_o water_n yet_o ought_v you_o not_o to_o understand_v this_o before_o speak_v of_o water_n but_o of_o that_o water_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o all_o thing_n out_o of_o which_o all_o natural_a thing_n be_v produce_v in_o their_o kind_n know_v therefore_o that_o first_o of_o all_o air_n be_v engender_v of_o water_n of_o air_n fire_n of_o fire_n earth_n now_o will_v i_o more_o familiar_o and_o friendly_a discourse_n with_o thou_o i_o will_v further_o manifest_v this_o mystery_n unto_o thou_o by_o degree_n lâ—â—t_v by_o too_o much_o have_v it_o happen_v to_o we_o according_a to_o the_o proverb_n that_o he_o that_o make_v too_o much_o haste_n oftentimes_o come_v home_n too_o late_o now_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v satisfy_v thy_o desire_n i_o will_v discourse_v of_o the_o first_o matter_n which_o philosopher_n call_v the_o five_o essence_n and_o many_o other_o name_n they_o have_v for_o it_o by_o which_o they_o may_v the_o more_o obscure_a it_o in_o it_o for_o certain_a be_v four_o element_n pure_a in_o their_o exaltation_n know_v therefore_o that_o if_o you_o will_v have_v the_o five_o essence_n man_n you_o must_v first_o have_v man_n and_o you_o must_v have_v nothing_o else_o of_o that_o matter_n and_o see_v that_o you_o observe_v this_o well_o this_o i_o say_v that_o if_o you_o desire_v to_o have_v the_o philosopher_n stone_n you_o must_v of_o necessity_n first_o have_v the_o five_o essence_n of_o that_o same_o stone_n whether_o it_o be_v mineral_n or_o vegetative_a join_v therefore_o species_n with_o species_n and_o gem_n with_o gem_n and_o not_o the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o nor_o any_o thing_n contrary_a which_o may_v be_v other_o than_o the_o species_n or_o proper_a gem_n beware_v therefore_o of_o all_o that_o be_v not_o essential_a for_o of_o boneâ—_n stone_n can_v be_v make_v neither_o do_v crane_n beget_v geâ—se_o which_o if_o you_o will_v consider_v you_o will_v find_v the_o profit_n of_o it_o by_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n by_o the_o assistance_n whereof_o let_v we_o fâ—rther_o proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o bless_a water_n which_o be_v call_v the_o water_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n hide_v in_o the_o concavity_n of_o our_o earth_n concern_v which_o earth_n know_v that_o all_o that_o be_v generate_v must_v of_o necessity_n have_v male_a and_o female_a from_o which_o action_n and_o passion_n arise_v without_o which_o generation_n never_o be_v but_o you_o will_v certain_o never_o receive_v profit_n from_o thing_n differ_v in_o kind_n 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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 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generation_n because_o by_o its_o congelation_n it_o be_v turn_v into_o all_o sort_n of_o metal_n to_o wit_n into_o the_o first_o matter_n of_o the_o sort_n thence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o seed_n of_o metal_n and_o the_o metal_n metallick_n water_n of_o life_n because_o it_o afford_v life_n and_o blood_n to_o sick_a and_o dead_a metal_n &_o join_v in_o matrimony_n the_o red_a man_n with_o the_o white_a woman_n that_o be_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n it_o be_v call_v also_o virgin_n milk_n for_o as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v not_o join_v with_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n nor_o with_o any_o thing_n else_o except_o only_o those_o which_o be_v of_o its_o own_o â—ind_n so_o long_o it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o virgin_n but_o when_o it_o be_v join_v with_o a_o male_a and_o female_a and_o marry_v with_o they_o than_o be_v it_o no_o long_o a_o virgin_n because_o it_o adher_v to_o they_o and_o become_v one_o with_o they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v join_v that_o be_v with_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n who_o it_o join_v and_o be_v join_v with_o to_o generation_n but_o as_o long_o as_o it_o remain_v a_o virgin_n it_o be_v call_v virgin_n milk_n the_o bless_a water_n and_o the_o water_n of_o life_n and_o by_o many_o other_o name_n and_o now_o my_o son_n that_o i_o may_v say_v something_o of_o the_o philosopher_n mercury_n know_v that_o when_o thou_o have_v put_v thy_o water_n of_o life_n to_o the_o red_a man_n who_o be_v our_o magnesia_n and_o to_o the_o white_a woman_n who_o name_n be_v albifica_fw-la and_o they_o shall_v all_o have_v be_v gather_v together_o into_o one_o than_o you_o have_v the_o true_a philosopher_n mercury_n for_o after_o that_o in_o this_o manner_n all_o be_v join_v with_o a_o male_a and_o female_a than_o it_o be_v call_v the_o philosopher_n mercury_n
well_o son_n that_o according_a to_o the_o old_a proverb_n he_o sweet_a deserve_v not_o who_o nâ—_n bitter_a taste_n but_o now_o to_o speak_v something_o more_o of_o our_o brass_n know_v that_o brass_n signify_v continuance_n or_o continue_v water_n but_o what_o be_v far_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o name_n of_o brass_n you_o may_v easy_o gather_v from_o its_o english_a tetragrammate_a name_n that_o be_v its_o name_n consist_v of_o four_o letter_n to_o wit_n b._n r._n a._n s._n first_o therefore_o by_o b._n be_v signify_v the_o body_n of_o ouâ—_n work_n which_o be_v sweet_a and_o bitter_a our_o olive_n and_o our_o brass_n continue_v in_o its_o form_n by_o r._n be_v signify_v the_o root_n of_o our_o work_n and_o the_o spring_n of_o continue_v radical_a humour_n which_o be_v our_o red_a tincture_n and_o red_a rose_n which_o purifi_v all_o in_o its_o kind_n a._n signify_v our_o fâ—ther_n adam_n who_o be_v the_o first_o man_n out_o of_o who_o be_v bear_v the_o first_o woman_n eve_n whence_o you_o may_v understand_v that_o therein_o be_v male_a and_o female_a know_v therefore_o that_o our_o brass_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o our_o work_n our_o gold_n and_o olive_n for_o it_o be_v the_o first_o matter_n of_o metal_n as_o man_n be_v the_o first_o of_o man_n and_o woman_n s._n signify_v the_o soul_n of_o our_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o life_n which_o god_n breathe_v into_o adam_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n which_o spirit_n be_v call_v the_o five_o essence_n moreover_o son_n by_o these_o four_o letter_n we_o may_v understand_v the_o four_o element_n without_o which_o nothing_o be_v generate_v in_o nature_n they_o also_o signify_v sol_n and_o lune_fw-fr which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o life_n generation_n and_o augmentation_n of_o all_o thing_n bear_v in_o the_o world_n in_o this_o name_n therefore_o of_o four_o letter_n consist_v our_o whole_a work_n for_o our_o brass_n be_v male_a and_o female_a of_o which_o arise_v he_o who_o be_v call_v 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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 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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 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fiery_a that_o it_o will_v vanish_v out_o through_o the_o glass_n red_a or_o rubie-like_a make_v projection_n with_o it_o on_o what_o metal_n thou_o will_v and_o thou_o shall_v have_v most_o fine_a gold_n better_a than_o the_o natural_a gold_n laus_fw-la deo_fw-la etc._n etc._n mercurius_n albus_fw-la &_o rubeus_fw-la ex_fw-la mercurio_n vulgi_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la soluto_fw-la fieri_fw-la potest_fw-la tanquam_fw-la ex_fw-la mercurio_n vniversali_fw-la age_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o mihi_fw-la gratias_fw-la e._n b._n etc._n etc._n tractatus_fw-la de_fw-fr lapide_fw-la manna_n benedicto_n etc._n etc._n tractatus_fw-la de_fw-la lapide_fw-la manna_n benedicto_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o this_o book_n thou_o have_v a_o most_o faithful_a and_o plain_a manuduction_n to_o the_o great_a and_o most_o noble_a secret_n of_o nature_n enjoy_v they_o in_o silence_n bless_v god_n and_o do_v good_a unto_o thy_o neighbour_n and_o successor_n as_o i_o do_v hereby_o to_o thou_o thou_o finder_n of_o this_o 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except_v none_o yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o name_v that_o which_o no_o man_n dare_v in_o so_o plain_a word_n that_o every_o fool_n or_o lewd_a fellow_n may_v understand_v it_o as_o he_o may_v his_o a._n b._n c._n when_o he_o read_v it_o for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v myself_o accurse_v whosoever_o thou_o be_v that_o read_v this_o let_v i_o advise_v thou_o rather_o to_o fix_v thy_o mind_n and_o soul_n on_o god_n in_o keep_v his_o commandment_n than_o upon_o the_o love_n of_o this_o art_n which_o although_o it_o be_v the_o only_a nay_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o do_v it_o come_v short_a of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o keep_v his_o commandment_n yet_o let_v i_o tell_v thou_o he_o that_o shall_v have_v the_o blessing_n to_o make_v the_o stone_n and_o find_v this_o write_n he_o shall_v see_v such_o mystery_n in_o nature_n as_o shall_v make_v he_o of_o a_o wicked_a a_o good_a man_n or_o else_o a_o very_a devil_n incarnate_a but_o i_o be_o persuade_v it_o shall_v never_o be_v permit_v to_o come_v to_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o but_o who_o god_n know_v fit_a for_o it_o and_o such_o as_o shall_v never_o abuse_v it_o have_v thou_o be_v covetous_a profane_a be_v meek_a and_o holy_a and_o serve_v in_o all_o humility_n thy_o most_o glorious_a creator_n if_o thou_o resolve_v not_o to_o do_v this_o thou_o do_v but_o wash_v a_o aethiopian_a white_a and_o shall_v waste_v a_o earthly_a estate_n hope_v to_o attain_v this_o science_n there_o be_v no_o humane_a art_n or_o wit_n can_v snatch_v it_o from_o the_o almighty_n hand_n nor_o be_v it_o ever_o nor_o i_o be_o persuade_v ever_o shall_v be_v give_v but_o to_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v of_o upright_a heart_n remember_v what_o king_n david_n say_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n a_o good_a understanding_n have_v they_o that_o do_v thereafter_o and_o so_o if_o thou_o think_v to_o attain_v this_o wisdom_n which_o be_v the_o top_n of_o all_o wisdom_n and_o indeed_o angelical_a wisdom_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o fear_v the_o lord_n thou_o do_v give_v king_n david_n and_o in_o he_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o lie_n which_o be_v far_o from_o every_o christian_a heart_n but_o let_v i_o conclude_v my_o preface_n with_o this_o if_o god_n bless_v thou_o with_o the_o stone_n and_o thou_o have_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o little_a script_n and_o do_v make_v that_o use_n of_o it_o that_o here_o be_v set_v down_o thou_o shall_v see_v that_o which_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v write_v yet_o i_o have_v set_v down_o in_o part_n what_o thou_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o as_o thou_o shall_v read_v pray_v and_o study_v pray_v with_o a_o faithful_a and_o earnest_a heart_n study_v with_o a_o honest_a heart_n and_o leave_v the_o issue_n to_o god_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n amen_n the_o folly_n of_o the_o student_n in_o this_o noble_a science_n and_o art_n be_v this_o they_o set_v their_o mind_n and_o intention_n on_o nothing_o but_o 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a_o great_a blessing_n especial_o get_v in_o this_o way_n because_o it_o free_v a_o man_n from_o want_n and_o be_v behold_v to_o other_o as_o also_o that_o a_o man_n may_v do_v good_a to_o other_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o oppress_v nay_o it_o be_v a_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n to_o possess_v much_o but_o yet_o i_o affirm_v it_o the_o least_o happiness_n that_o come_v by_o the_o philosopher_n stone_n if_o the_o full_a use_n thereof_o be_v know_v gold_n and_o silver_n be_v goodly_a thing_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o very_o delightful_a to_o covetous_a and_o wicked-minded_n man_n who_o do_v not_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o know_v he_o as_o they_o ought_v but_o a_o true_a searcher_n of_o this_o wisdom_n be_v content_a as_o the_o apostle_n say_v with_o meat_n drink_n and_o clothes_n viz._n a_o competency_n i_o have_v a_o little_a exceed_v in_o my_o exclamation_n against_o riches_n because_o i_o know_v it_o befit_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o love_v they_o when_o thou_o have_v read_v all_o that_o i_o have_v set_v down_o thou_o will_v not_o value_v wealth_n as_o thou_o will_v other_o knowledge_n herein_o set_v down_o and_o contain_v for_o by_o the_o full_a knowledge_n of_o it_o the_o whole_a wisdom_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v grasp_v and_o embrace_v yea_o not_o only_o infinite_a wealth_n and_o perfect_a health_n a_o far_o great_a blessing_n than_o wealth_n but_o also_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o animal_n vegetable_n mineral_n the_o radix_fw-la and_o root_n of_o all_o which_o be_v the_o true_a root_n of_o all_o philosophy_n nay_o more_o of_o all_o the_o seven_o liberal_a science_n which_o in_o their_o full_a perfection_n be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o art_n and_o without_o it_o not_o one_o can_v be_v perfect_v nay_o more_o the_o artificial_a make_n of_o all_o precious_a stone_n better_a than_o the_o natural_a and_o of_o what_o greatness_n you_o please_v as_o ruby_n carbuncle_n diamond_n jacinth_n pearl_n topase_n saphire_n emerald_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o by_o the_o perfection_n of_o this_o art_n which_o very_o few_o have_v attain_v unto_o all_o natural_a magic_n may_v be_v know_v all_o that_o spirit_n can_v do_v except_o velocity_n may_v be_v perform_v by_o a_o true_a philosopher_n though_o to_o ignorant_a man_n it_o seem_v supernatural_a all_o that_o be_v natural_a may_v be_v do_v by_o this_o art_n wicked_a spirit_n may_v be_v command_v and_o drive_v away_o in_o a_o word_n whatever_o be_v sublunary_a may_v be_v do_v by_o it_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v know_v to_o adam_n in_o his_o innocency_n who_o have_v this_o art_n in_o the_o high_a perfection_n this_o man_n our_o first_o father_n be_v in_o his_o inward_a part_n or_o internal_a man_n make_v according_a to_o the_o