and therewith part by passing into water wax blacke and the water by passing into airie wax white and the aire beâ— turned into fier The separation of elements made they make a coniunction of water earth with aire and fire keeping a proportion that euery element may be dispersed with other giue vnto the male 3. partes of his water and vnto the women ix parts then euery like reioyceth with his like for the desire of the ioyning specially of the materiall sulphureouse forme These thus ioyned they putrify it in a moist heate lest by hot fier the mercurie should be seperat or carried vp on high through his spirituall nature that by this corruption the matter might be changed and the elementes naturally deuided that regeneration may followe for there is nothing borne or groweth nor without life but first things putrifaction is made After putrefaction they come to coagulation and with the same most temperat heate continually altering the matter as well inwardly as outwardly they do worke vntill all the matter be white like vnto pearles then is there a true fixing and congealing of the shining spirites with the bodies The Chimick philosophers call this the white thorne and white sulphur incombustible which neuer departeth from the fier Finally they proceede vnto Cibation that is to the making thicke of the thinne and making subtile the grosse mingling his water with the ashes and his milke with the foliat earth but moderatly that so the whitenes and rednes goodnes quantitie and vertue of it may increase and grow and by decocting and decocting againe the matter might be nourished Then they sublyme the matter but not with common sublimation and so purge it from all vncleannes lifting vp the bodie and making it spirituall and the spirit corporal fixed by taking away the sulphureous saltnes that it may all be white and easily be molten Hauing finished the sublimation they leuen the water by ioyning the spirit with his whitened earth or calce as with his ferment or incorporating the soule with the bodie For the spirituall accidentes cannot shew their permanent qualities except they be ioyned with fixed bodies as with his leuen which bringeth vnro him his aptnes to his nature colour and sauour by the mutuall and common impression of the bodie and spirit without the which the worke can not bee finished as paste cannot be leuened without leuen But for the greater nobilitie of the matter they thinke it must be exalted by increasing the spirit and sublyming making subtil the earth by naturall rectifying of all the elements and the true circulation and graduation of them vntill they be brought to a perfect â—mbrasing Then they increase the force of their Salamander by reiterating their solutions and coagulations and with new leuen in force and quantitie and that into infinite Last they make proiection of one waight vpon many vppon the vnperfect according to the perfection of the medecine for by how much the more it is made subtill and stained so much the more abundantlie it worketh and so following nature they make perfect vnperfect mettalles and turn them into the sunne moone of their proper matter purified and made subtile by art and then fixed by decoction and digested vntill it come to a white and after into a red colour and is made againe flying and againe fixed vntill it haue his entrance and staâ—ne perfectly they ma e their medecine and their powder which they call the philosoph rs stone And that by sundry workes â—iuers thinges many vessels and many furnaces as by that is aforesaid the vnskilfull of art peraduenture will iudge when as vnto the true Philosopher in all this great worke there is but one worke one way one thing one vessell one onely fier and furnace as all do confesse All these things would I note by the way whereby I might ouerthrow maister Aubertus opinion touching the philosophers stone for it is lawfull for any mâ—n by iâ—sting to vtter his follie in thinges vnknowen and that I might demonstrat that not the bare forme of gold or siluer drawen from his substance as hee thinketh is not the matter of the philosophers medecine But saith he I care not of what matter the stone bee compounded Notwithstanding because it is not a naturall substance it cannot put on a naturalâ— forme but onely artificiall and deceitfull I could here appeale to the witnesse of many notable men but I thinke it better to deale by reason Therefore I say that mettalles truely altered are knoweÌ„ to be perfect not by the forme theâ— had afore or that is put in for that were impossible but by the accidents properties and passions which follow the formes Therefore if in mettall altered all those thinges are found in euery examination that are in the true mettall truely it is to be iudged they haue not a counterfect form but the true forme of mineral gold and siluer For that which worketh the worke of the â—iâ— is the â—iâ— as the philosopher writeth 4. Meteor and so contrarie Further more we haue shewed the Philosophers stone to be naturall by reason of his making and that by meanes of the naturall agent that is fier with his naturall colour sent and forme which are accidentall formes following his determinat substantiall forme art ministring matter vnto it For art is ioyned with nature for the beginning of art is nature it selfe as the philosopher writeth 2. phisic â—y which reason art may be called natural his workes naturall his formes are called naturall in two sortes that is when nature prepareth matter for it selfe and afterward induceth forme as in man and stone or when art doth minister and prepare matter for it selfe yet not with the last prepation with nature notwithstanding doth dispose and prepare euen to the end and doth induce a forme vpon it as is to be seene in the making of ceruse and red lead Neither is it any new thing that art in many points followeth nature and that many naturall thinges are made by art which Arist affirmeth 4 Metaph. spheaking of colchota and calchant For nature saith hee in the mines of Atraments engendreth Atraments and he sheweth the manner of the making And a little after hee saith the two atraments may be made and compounded by art for art being the follower of nature as he writeth 2. Metaph. by taking the substance of Iron or copper whereof naturally they are made ministring it vnto nature with often dissolutions distillations and coagulations doth so perfectly and ingeniously make them that they haue the same properties and operations actiue passiue that the two mineral attraments haue The like is seene in making of salt There is some minerall salt founde as in Polonia other some is made as in France yet hauing the same properties and passions as the minerall by which reason it may be called verie naturall and his forme also naturall and verie perfect
and perish with the violence of fier vppon the test or cople which happeneth vnto them as the earth in them is found to be lesse pure and their temperature not so good As it hapneth vnto Iron through the impure earth whereof there is great store in it But when as gold alone cannot bee consumed with anie fierie heate as Aristotle saith and looseth nothing of his waight though it bee burned or tried of necessity it must haue a most pure earth and well compact with his water whereby it commeth to passe that his earth doth hold and let his humor that it vapour not away and contrariwise the humour defendeth the earth that it butne not as saith Agricola which commeth to passe as others do affirme because of a most subtill moist and drye that hath not any impuritie mixed By this reason gold according to the nature of thinge is purer then other mettalles and surmounteth them in price because it is the most simple and purest mettall and furthest from imperfection of elementes by reason of his forme So Pliny saith vnto one thing which is golde nothing decayeth by fier as the Poet also saith and as appeareth by that aforesaid By this we may gather that amongest all mettalles gold is not onely the brightest but most temperat and perfect in respect of which all other mettalles may worthely be called vnperfect For nature alwaies tendeth to perfection that is to the making of golde which alone amongest mettals is called perfect for no agent naturall as the Philosophers say ceaseth from worke in his owne matter neither is seperat but with putting on some forme in that matter Therefore so long as the agent is ioyned to the matter or worketh vpon the matter that is said to be vnperfect for the perfection of any thing is not but by putting on of forme For so much then as in all mettalles there is a certaine viscous water which the Chimistes Philosophers call quickesiluer because of the likenes which is put in place of the matter and that which they call sulphur by like similitude of the agent or inducer of form in that matter no mettall can bee called perfect but that froÌ„ which the sulphur is separated But because other mettalles haue their sulphur mixed in the matter whereby they are killed made blacke calcined and burned which happeneth vnto them onely by that dry exhalation that is the sulphur because it is a matter apt to be set on fire for that cause they be altogether called vnperfect But on the contrary part because onely golde is altogether without this sulphur which the affinitie of gold and quicksiluer by it selfe doth sufficieÌ„tly declare For as Pliny writeth all things swimme vppon it but gold which alone it draweth vnto it By this meanes it is free from corruption both in the fier out of the fier Of right therefore it alone is called perfect and formed according to the first and true intention of nature and complete because it is come to the vttermost end wherein it is complete and pure because the agent is not mingled with the matter but is seperat from it To this purpose writeth Aristotle Met. 3. cap. vltimo speaking of mettalles wherefore saith he they conteine earth in them and are all burned because they haue a drye exhalation But gold alone of all the rest vseth not to be burned But Aubertus not content with these reasons will answeare what so euer hath attained an essentiall forme of necessity must bee perfect But all mettalles haue their substantial forme No man will deny saith he except it be some blockhead ashes blower and by that meanes hereupon concludeth that all are perfect But it is easy enough for vs to answere this obiection For those thinges which perseuer in their nature are called perfect in their kinde through their substantiall forme but some continue by nature in their kinde which notwithstanding are made perfect by some meanes through their substantiall forme to the which their is a certaine motion and end but because they are carried to another later essentiall forme which altogether finisheth the matter it selfe and maketh it complet therfore they are called vnperfect so long as they remaine vnder that first forme in respect of the later to the attaining whereof they do endeuor themselues But if no accompt be made of that later forme but they be considered onely in themselues they are truely perfect in that their kinde through their essentiall forme as that kinde doth require This all men see in the generation of egges in which there is a certaine determined motion in the getting of his substantiall forme which doth so remaine But because those egges are by nature ordeined to this end not to remaine vnder that forme but to bring forth a byrde and so is made the begetting of the latter substantiall forme Therefore egges are called vnperfect vnder the forme of an egge but it is a perfect thing after the bringing forth of a birde for that is the last ende of egges This is likewise to be iudged of mettalles which albeit they haue in their kinde gotten an essentiall forme yet can they not be called perfect in respect of gold which alone is said to bee perfect vntill they come to that last perfect end that is to the perfection of golde and become golde And like as in the generation of the Embrio there is comparison of the vegetable soule to the sensible and of the sensible to the rationall and not as formes so other imperfect mettalles are in respect of gold Therefore the Chimisticall Philosophers haue worthily deuided the mettalles into perfect and vnperfect For although the difference of mettalles be in the forme it selfe yet shall it not be properly the difference of the kindes as the difference of man and horse but shall be taken more properly of the matter his partes that is according as it is digested or vndigested complete or incomplete seeing those are altogether of one proper matter But indigest and incomplete is spoken in respect of gold But whereas Aubertus judgeth Iron more noble then golde because it serueth more to the vse man I thinke he shall neuer perswade any Phisitions be they neuer so vnlearned which rather desire to catch gold then Iton But I suppose there is suffâ—ciently spoken touching the excellencie and perfection of gold and because we said that mettalles are of one proper matter although not in all alike digested herein consisteth the point of the question therefore we must now come to seeke out that matter of mettalles The Philosophers make two causes of mettals as also of all other mixed bodies The one generall and far of which is taken of the elements as of the first causes of all things of which they coÌ„sist as of most simple are resolued againe as into most simple The Peripatecians contende against the Stoickes that onely the qualities and vertues of the elementes doe passe one into another and
altogether mingled The Stoickes contrarily doe affirme that whole substances are mingled with the whole but leauing these waues of slipperie opinions we will goe to the safe and quiet port And in this point we do allow the opinion of Aubertus who thinketh the elementes not to be mixed bodies essentially or in deede but in power which Galen witnesseth in the first book de methodo medendi where he writeth that the elements are to be mingled wholly with the whole onely by their qualities Of the second or proper matter of mettalles the opinion of many Philosophers is not agreeable but very diuers For some said the neerest matter of mettals is a moist breath as Aristotle some hold it to be a water draweÌ„ from other elementes which Agricola alloweth whose opinion our Aubertus agreeth vnto Other deeme it ashes moistened with water But the Chimist whose opinion Aubertus goeth about to ouerthrow saith quicksiluer is the matter of them some haue ioyned sulphur all which opinions are breefly and diligently to be examined by vs that the matter may bee more euident and that all men may vnderstand how vnworthely Aubertus others haue inueâ—ghed against so many famous Chimist philosophers Aristotle the prince of philosophers assineth a double matter of those things which are made within and vppon the earth by the supernaturall power and force that is a breath and a vapour by the mixture whereof in the bowelles of the earth hâ—ethinketh all are made and haue their originall and those hee dâ—uideth according to the diuerâ—e nature of the matter into two sortes that is into thinges to be digged and â—eâ—â—allyne They are called fossilia because they are digged out of the earth and like vnto the earth that is digged neither are they liquable as all kind of stones which are made of a dry exhalation set on fier and with the heate consuming the moisture and in a manner burning it The other sort are metallyne whereof some are fusible and liquable because they draw neerer to the nature of moisture then of drith as leade and tinne and are so called because they are easelier molten then beaten On the contrary those that are to be beaten which are molten with greater difficulty as Iron whose next matter is a vaperous breath congealed by cold and groweth into mettall according to the opinion of Aristotle whom our Aubertus thinketh worthy to be reprooued For saith he it cannot come to passe in the nature of things that there may be a passage from one extreame or contrary into an other without any meane for it is euident that mettalles and breathes are of contrary qualities for these are very subtill and the other very grose Hereupon he concludeth in the originall of mettalles breathes and vapoures doe of necessitie first congeale into humors before they harden into mettalls This did he take out of Agricola but that excellent learned man Iacobus Scheggius in his coÌ„mentaries vpon Arist Meteors doth sufficiently defend Aristotle being vnworthily reproued where he teacheth that the breath or vapor whereof water commeth is one that whereof mettalles concreteth is an other as also that wherof a storme groweth another for it is sometime more ponderouse and grosse then that whereof water groweth By which reason they propose a further distant matter of mettalles which say it is water theÌ„ they which say it is a breath when as the greatest part of meteors do growe vpon these breathes and vaperous matters raised vp out of the water and earth by the force of heate for so much as there is no fertility of the water or earth without heat for heate doth procre at these two as a first childe in whose nature the force of the parentes that is of the foure elementes is represented and as it were an ingendring power of them doth consent together two qualities working by a masculine force the other two suffering as feminine But either of them obaying the celestiall temperature as their father whereby these thinges without life are accustomed to be procreat by the instrument of the first qualities And this may be perceaued by the verie sence that so grosse vapors do often breake out in places vnder the ground that the diggers can not take breath and sometimes through the grosenes therof as Galen witnesseth are choked If they be so grosse who will iudge that mettalles and breathes are of contrary qualities but that they may grow into a sound matter of mettalles without any other meane as the ponderous vapor doth into a storme Furthermore as multitudes of people can testify if it hath rained copper and Iron and that stones and such other bodies do grow and are made in the vppermost aire how should these be engendred of water earth for whom there is no place to tarrie in the aire rather then of vapour and breath which both can pearce stay there for their thinnes and heate Wherefore it is certaine that mettalles rather haue their originall of breath then of water which breath because it is grosse doth also easely congeale But what needeth more of this when it is manifest to all Philosophers that all thinge haue their originall of that whereunto they may at last be reduced For all mettalles except the two perfect which by greater decoction haue their matter more compact and fixed are they not reduced into a breath of vapor in the examinatioÌ„ of the test or cople do they not vanish away into smoke Yes truly into smoke which is not turned into water or moisteneth but grosse because of the earthines mixed with it being coÌ„geled thickned with cold which by certain experience may daily be seene perceaued of those which work in fier and more easily also of the Philosophers in their sublimations The same doth Tutia Cadmia and Pompholix with other such like prooue which comming of the vapoures of mettalles sticke to the walles of the furnaces and shew them to be grosse in the mines neither do represent water by any meanes Let Aubertus therefore with his leaden argument hold his tongue which goeth about to ouerthrow Aristotles opinion neither let him iudge rashly of things which he knoweth not but credit those which haue experience know those vapors to bee most thicke whereof mettals are first congealed and without any other meane hardned But hauing ouerthrowen Aristotle let vs see what iudgement he will giue of other lerrned men and Philosophers as of Albertus magnus Geber and other Collars for by that name this our noble censor adorneth those excellent men whose opinions Aubertus refelleth in this point because they say that quicksiluer and sulphur is the next matter of mettalles and goeth about with certeine arguments to shew how they are out of the way First touching quicksiluer he saith it is not likely to be the propper matter of mettalles because it can not congeale into hardnes surely an excellent argument and worthy to bee often repeated of the author whereunto
notwithstanding he is answered by vs before the saith it can not congeale because it is of an airy substance But the vapor which we concluded out of Aristotle to be the next matter of mettalles who will not confesse to be airy in respect of water and notwithstanding who will denie but it may coÌ„geale then I confesse that quicksiluer is airy and therefore many Philosophers iudge it not to be a mettall but onely in Power but I do call it so to bee airy that it sendeth forth a most grosse vapour which by colde congealeth as may bee seene in Mercurie â—uâ—limat and many other his preparations wherein he sendeth forth his smokes and vapors but not so aâ—rye but they will grow thicke But what will you say to those vnpâ—rfect mettalles which as wee before said in examination do flâ—e away into smokes and vapors what finally shall wee thinke of their matter and forme brought to nothing will you not confesse the grosse vapour which wee call quicksiluer to bee the matter of them when at the last mettalles are reduced againe into it But Aubertus alledgeth this out of Aristotle those thinge which perteine vnto water if they conteâ—ne â—n them â— o â— aâ—re then water they can not congeale as oâ—le and quicksiluer But the matter of 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 to be â— rought to a hardnes otherwise they couâ—â—â— not put on the forme of mettalles ther fore their matter can not bee quicksiluer for so much as it can not congeale to hardnes But this argument is no more effectuall then the former For he setteth downe as graunted that which he hath not by any means prouâ—d and which we haue alreadie denyed for we graunted vnto him that quicksiluer was of an aâ—rie substance but that it cannot therfore congeale wee deny when contrary to his minde we haue shewed his vapors do congeale And truly Aubertus doth not deny but by art it doth harden but hee thinketh that neither by art or nature it may congeale into mettalle in hardnes or forme as thoughe to thinke were to demonstrate a thing Therefore he denyeth quicksiluer to be the matter of mettalles the cause which he alledgeth that it is of an airy substance is of no force For wee haue showed out of Aristotle that it is a vapour of an airy substance in respect of water and neuerthelesse the next matter of mettals Therefore airy thinges are to bee distinguished for such as are altogether and simply airy because of the predominant matter cannot be coagulated neither by heat or by cold because their airie moisture cannot bee dryed vp the earth wâ—nting by which reason also they swimme vpon the water witnesse Aristotle as oile and are easily set on fire because it is matter of fire as oile it selfe and wooddes which swimme vpon the water except ebenum which is more earthly as by his waight may be iudged but quicksiluer is neither set on fire neither matter of fire but most contrary vnto it like water neither is it light but ponderous that in it the souÌ„dest boddies of all mettalles will swimme vpon golde onely except for the great affinitie of them both whereby it appeareth that it is of an other substance then simply aire like oile Therefore to the similitude of this quicksiluer the next matter of mettalles the Chimicall Philosophers haue said that this quicksiluer is ingendred of a strong commixtion of the first matter of all mettals that is of a moist viscous incombustible humour incorporat with a subtill earth equally and strongly mixed by small partes in the minerall caues of the earth Vnto this wise nature because the matter bringeth not it selfe to effect ioyneth his proper agent that is sulphur which is nothing else then a certaine fatnesse of the earth engendred in the proper mines and by temperat decoction thickned that it may turne the quicksiluer by digestion and concoction into forme of mettall Therefore this sulphur is to the quicksiluer as the man to the woman and as the proper agent to the proper matter Not that this quicksiluer and sulpur as some foolishly thinke are found by themselues in their nature in the mines but that these are alreadie mingled by nature and by longe concoction brought into the nature of earth And this truly is the neâ—rest matter of mettalles as in the generation of man meate is neerer matter then the elements the blood neerer then meate and the sperme neerer then blood it selfe and at last by apt digestion the matter receiueth the shape of a man So when as it is said that mettals are first made of the foure elements as of their generall and first matter the same order kept it is necessarie that of those elements come vapours of vapours a slimie water which is yet a neerer matter theÌ„ the vapors lest by defending Aristotle Aubertus may thinke mee to gainsay my selfe and heauy mingled with a subtile sulphureous earth which is called quicksiluer of which as of a neerer matter by meane of the mixture and working of the outward sulphur is made gold or other mettall according to the great or lesser digestion of nature For as the Philosopher writeth Metaph. 6. when any thing is said to be made of another either an extreme perfect is made of a meane and vnperfect as of a childe a man or else an extreme of extreme as aire of water but let vs returne to our Aubertus He writeth that sulphur also can not bee the matter of mettalles But let vs heare by what reasons he doth proue it Sulphur saith he according to Aristotle is ingendred of a hot drie and vnctuous breath but mettals are ingendred of an other breath hot and moist and a litle vnctuous Truly a goodly but sophisticall argument by which he goeth about to proue his purpose by the opinions which he hath already impugned Let him therefore remember that he before hath affirmed against Aristotle that breath was not the matter of mettalles and now he doth confesse that mettalles are ingendred of breaths Therefore he speaketh against himselfe that he shall not neede my refutation hee addeth to proue his opinion that sulphur waxeth soft with moisture like salt and that mettalles are molten only with strong fire but of a false antecedent can not follow a good consequent For by no meanes is sulphur dissolued into water but by heat is molten like leade and this should our searcher of thinges vnder ground first haue tryed then to affirme so boldlâ—e that which is false Therefore that dart may be bent against him wherewith hee supposed to haue wounded â—he Chimistes Also he saith that sulphur is of an airy and fiâ—ie substance and therefore can not bee increased or congealed But I haue afore shewed the contrary wherfore he is not to looke for any other answeare of me because he hath neither reproued my argument neither made any demonstration of his opinion by firme reasons But this one thing sufficeth that all wise Chimistes do affirme that this which
art to imitate nature Secondly it worketh by it selfe but not first because first it engendreth some vnperfect mettall of the same beginninges in his mine and lastly conuerteth it into gold in which point art followeth nature it selfe in that of vnperfect mettalles it maketh gold as nature it selfe doth Hereby it is euident something to be made of something two manner of waies mediatly and immediatly For according to Arist lib 9. Meta. There may be many matters of one thing as mediat and immediat albeit at the last the mediat matter must bee reduced into the immediat for otherwise of diuerse matters diuers thinges would rise Therfore because art taketh both the mediat immediat matter which nature doth reduceth the mediat at the last to the immediat as nature also doth hath one and the selfe same agent which shall spoile the quicksiluer and at last transforme it and the end of art and nature is all one that is by the vniting of this forme with his matter at last to ingender gold there is no doubt but that art imitating nature it selfe in all pointes can make an vnperfect mettall a perfect as nature it selfe doth make as we haue aforesaid Wherefore the causes being all one of necessitie they also must be one and bring forth the like effectes Neither do I thinke them to be excused which seeke the subiect of the Chymick Philosophers in the vegitalles Their lahour is in vaine for there can be no generation but by the neerest conuenient and immediates Others haue bestowed their labors vpon animall thinges specially in an egge because the Chimick Philosophers moued with a certaine similitude of egges called their worke the egge and said that the egge euen as the Elixir doth conteine 4 elements whose shell they called the earth the thinne skinne the aire the white water and the yelke fier So also the same Philosophers by a darke speech said their stone was one in three and three in one because it conteineth in it a bodie that standeth a soule that gâ—ueth life and a spirit that staineth They which vnderstand not these darke speeches perswaded themselues that an egge was the Philosophers stone because it conteined three in one the shell the yelke and the water and therefore at last concluded the egge to be the onely matter sought for by the Chimâ—stes being no lesse deceaued then other not considering this matter not to be fit to draw out mettall out of For a man begetteth a man a beast a beast But because good Auâ—ertus hath tried this with his losse as I hard which decocting egges philosophically consumed some hundred of crownes therefore he quarrelleth with the art as though it had deceiued him but vndeserued when he himselfe rather erred for art is not bound to maintaine his fault For kinde ought to be ioyned with kinde and like with like and euery blossom to answere to his seede as we said afore And there be some which seek the matter of their Elixir not in vegitals or animalls but in thinges vnder the earth and neerer For they say that art doth immitate nature and therefore thinke to labor vpon those first matters wherupon nature wrought and decoct quicksiluer and sulphur which they heare to bee the next matter of mettalles But sillie men they loose both their cost and labour For the Philosophers quicksiluer is not that common neither also the common sulphur as I said For is there any man which can attaine the intent of nature in due proportion and measure no man truely Moreouer quicksiluer if you set it but to a verie litle â—ier it vaporeth away being mixed is seperated sulphur also not hardly when notwithstanding the coniunction of both these is necessarie euen to the end of digestion in the generation of mettalles so are they deceaued as many as seeke the stone in marchasites tuty antimony arâ—â—ick orpment when as it is either altogether an inseperable sulphur yet ought to be seperat at lest as wee haue said or because it is seperat with a small fier all the Philosophers writings sufficiently declare that it can not bee the Philosophers subiect They also erre which think to take gold for the man and siluer for the woman which two they amalgame for we may vse the words of the art with common mercurie of three make one which they decoct chyminically sublyme and out of it at last drawe the spirit which afterward they goe about to fix For they depart from the philosophers writinges which confesse all with one mouth that the agent is ioyned and proportionat by nature in the mines with his owne matter and they say that it is but one thing wherein are the foure elementes well proportioned that there is the â—ixer the â—ixed the stayner and the stained white and red male and female compound together It is therefore as wee said before a certaine third nature common and altered of diuerse mixture and digestion of sulphur and quicksiluer in which is a mineral power to ingender a mixt thing which to do so perpetuallie worke and suffer betweene themselues vntill they be translaved from the forme of vnperfect bodies first begotten the agent not being yet seperat from his matter into an other forme and at last come by continuall digostion and purifications to the last true perfect forme which is the forme of golde in which is the last tearme of motion where also the agent is vâ—terly seperate from his matter Many seeâ—e what this is few finde it or if they do finde it they know not the preparations and intentions of the philosophers whose medecine is also draweÌ„ out of those things by art in which it dwelleth potentially by nature and in which the perfection of the first matter and all mettalles are found This matter after they haue founde it first they thinke meete to be calcined and purged from all his filths restoring his hâ—aâ—e and preseruing his naturall moisture for in the Chimicke calcination there ought to be no diminution of the body but rather multiplication Then they reduce the calcined matter by making thin his groines into a certaine liquid substance as into his first matter which they call minerall water which doth not wet the handes then is it made one in kinde but not so in number whose father they call the sunne the moone the mother and mercury the mediator the bodie is altered from his proper forme but a new is induced immediatly for there is nothing founde in the nature of thinges spoiled of all forme That done out of that so dissolued they seperat the four elements and deuide them into two partes into the ascendenter spirituall and into the inferiour or earthly which twoo partes yet are of one nature for the inferiour is the leaueÌ„ fixing it and the superior part is the soule quickning the whole matter Notwithstanding their diuision is necessarie that they all might be the easilier changd amongest themselues
pox Likewise the fistula and all callowes matters Ex triapharmaco and the aforesaid precipitate is made a plaster which being put into the necke of the bladder with a waxe candle or small tent as it ought cureth the vlcers of it and taketh away the flesh without paine or danger The fixing water for the said turpetum is made ex Climia lapide Sedenegi lapide perlato marchasitarum sulphure rubicundo lacerta viridi rubra halinitro sale aluminoso this made after the manner of Aqua fortis among all waters of graduation this is the chiefest and verie fixing if any attaine vnto it truely Of mercury also are made other medicines for there is made of it being first prepared as it ought Amalgamy with gold which is put into a bolts head and closed with Hermes seall so being kept in a temperate fire 20. daies is brought to a yellowish fixed powder the signe of perfection is when it will not vapour away by force of fire neither be quickned againe in water This medicine is Diaphoretical and is ministred for the forenamed diseases specially to cure the pox onely by sweates There is also made of Mercurie a balme with the water of the calex of egge-shelles and tartar also a most excellent oile for fistulaes all vlcers and callosites this shall suffice to bee spoken of Mercurie so that this one thing being noted that the whole perfection of this medicine consisteth in the fixing and dulcifying of it Of Arsenicke Chap. 7. AMongest the corrosiue medicines which by the extreame sharpnes of heat do distroy our naturall heate or conuert it into fiery quallity and by their malignant nature dissolue the naturall moysture consume all the substāce of the bodie and cause putrifaction with stinche the Phisitions do accompt Arsenicke sandrake and orpiment and therefore do iudge the vse of those medicines very perilous in chirurgery nether by any meanes necessary because they are so venemous and contrary to our nature This they may verie well say if they knew not their true preparatiōs wherby they are made apt to cure many outward infirmities These medecines are said to be venemous for their maligne quallitie and sharpnes But that euil quallity consisteth in the spirit stinking aire or blacke smoake which it sendeth out with a small heate but the sharpnes is onely in the salt This venemous and blacke smoke when it is raised by natural heate doth weake the matter of the part corrupteth it oftentimes killeth as if one had dronke poison if it be not laide too farre from the principall partes specially the skin being wounded which happened to a certaine woman and Fernelius the chiefe of phisitions of our time witnesseth that he saw it seeing that maligne quality is in the blacke smoke it must be altogether fixed for by fixing as we said before in the chapter of mercurie all the venom is taken away from the spirites as from arsenicke mercurie orpiment others The sharpnes is taken away by extracting the salt which may be done by their proper washinges as wee haue before shewed by which reason arsenike shall not hurt but profit much in locall medicines for poisoned woundes the wolfe fistula canker and gangrena if it be dulie prepared fixed and sweetned Of which true preparation Dioscorides seemeth secretly to intreat of when as hee speaketh of that metalline sandaraca which in the beginning of the chapter he writeth to smell of sulfur It is giuen with mulsum to those that coughe out rotten matter and to those that are short winded it is verie well giuen in drinke with rosen It is verie hurtful to geue sandrake vnprepared when as Galen doth witnes it is of a burning quallitie vnto whose opinion Dioscorides also agreeth in the sixt booke 29. chapter of simples Therefore it will not be amisse or hurtfull to vse arsenicke or any other corosiue medicine being prepared in chirurgerie specially the preparation therof is thus sublime arsenicke 3. times with salt prepared and rubifyed vitrioll the scalles of Iron that yee may purge it which afterward yee shall fixe with salt peeter giuing fyer by degrees the space of 24. howres and it will be a masse whiter then snow Resembling the colour of pearles which yee shall dissolue in warme water to draw out his salt and there will remaine in the bottome a verie white powder which being dried ye shal fix with the like waight of olei inceratiuiex talco confecti and set it in a fournace of reuerberation on whole day then againe dissolue it in warme water that the powder may remaine white fixed sweet mhich in a moist place wil turne into a fat thicke oile like buter swaging paines for like as arsenike not prepared bringeth great paines and by the maligne qualities is poison so contrariwise by his fixing he looseth that and worketh without paine and is a profitable medicine for curing of poisoned woundes if 1. ounce of it be mingled with 2. ounces of oile of mirrha Many also sublime arsenicke 3. times cum calce fixa colchothare then dissolue it in aqua stigia fixatoria ac conueniente for that purpose distilling the water often from the feces thā reuerberate the caput mortuum which will come to a white powder fixed from which the alkalie is drawen out with the alchoole of wine and so is made sweete the vse of this is to cure fistulaes and cankers Of Sulphur chap. 8. SVlfur is the balme of the lunges which the Chimist doe 3. or 4. times sublime with colcothar to purge it from his impurities and make thereof many profitable medicines to cure asthmatis if sugar be mixed with it also of the flowers of sulfur and his proper menstrua Therebinthinat digested certaine daies in a drie heate there is drawne out a balme like to a rubine the menstrua being seperated there remaineth a verie red oile of sulphur which must bee circulated with vin◠distillato alcholisato and be this means is a balme drawne out of sulfur whereof 3. or 4 droppes is geuen with water of Isope to those that are short winded and spitte rotten matter It healeth all manner of woundes quickly c. Notwithstanding the auncient Phisitions seeme to haue thought that sulfure did only cure outward greefes that it had a drawing quallitie and was of a whot temperature and thin essence as Galen and Aegineta wrote and that it was good against venemous beastes specially against the Sea Turtle and Dragon either cast on drie or mingled yet Galen seemeth to allowe the vse of sulfurie waters by these wordes The bathes or drinking of sweet waters is very hurtfull to the sicke of the dropsie But of salte sulpherie and pitchie waters is very profitable Dioscorides writeth that sulfur eaten with a rere egge helpeth those that are shorte winded But the Spagirickes haue attained to many things vnknowne to the auncient Phisitions Finally of sulfur is also madeth sower
passe amongest others an especial remedie and experiment often proued against the stone in the raines which is prepared in this order In March there are found in the Maw of an oxe certaine little stones which if they be taken with white wine dissolueth the stone Also in the moneth of May in the bladder of the gall of a bull is found a certaine stone which if it bee put in white wine it changeth it to a yellow colour like safron changing the tast but litle if the sicke drinke euerie day of this wine daily powring on freshe vntill the stone be consumed by these meanes it is manifest by experience that the stone is diminished and at length consumed Many other medecines are prepared of the partes of animalles which are not of themselues to be disallowed of many ignorant neither their preparations reiected because they are vnknowen vnto them all which they may easily attaine vnto in time if so be they will not condemne at the first sight that which they know not and thinke them so impossible to themselues which are not able to conceaue such great thinges which yet by searching and diligent labour of hand not without great maruell and profit to the sicke are proued most true and certaine to a true phisitian The Spagyricall preparation of Medicines taken out of Vegitables and first of wine Chapter 1. TAke the purest and strongest wine ye can get distil it in a gourd of glasse with a narrow mouth ouer the which ye shal paste a paper the which being drye annoint it with oile of sweete almondes then set on the head and receauer and distill it in Balneo and the spirit wil flye through the oily paper the which yee shall circulat and keepe in a cold place close stopped whose vertues are infinite for the health of mans bodie the spirit being taken away yee shall boile the feces vntill it come thicke like a sirop set it in a moist seller the which in short time wil congeale into hard stones or salt which is called of some lapilli vini the which ye shal kepe in a dry place to your vse that is to dissolue gold therewith the which thou maist do in this order First calcine thy gold into an impalpable powder that it caÌ„not be brought to gold again theÌ„ take therof â„¥ ss lapilloruÌ„ vini prepared as afore â„¥ i. fs Alcooli viniq s digest theÌ„ together 14. daies then distil it there wil come forth a water of a golden colour then powre on more spirit of wine prepared as afore digest it againe and distill it as aforesaid and this ye shall doe vntill the spirit of the gold be drawen forth Vinum alcalisatum TAke those feces that remained after the spirit is taken away and calcine them white then with his proper fleme ye shall draw away his salt the which is called sal vini of the which take â„¥ si spiritus vini â„¥ 2. digest it in Balneo 20. daies then distil it vntil it be drie in the bottom then put on more spirit and digest it as afore and this ye shall doe vntill the salt be distilled ouer the helme and then it is prepared The preparation of tartar and first of spiritus tartari vel liquor fecularum vini TAke white tartar lib. 4. distil it in maner of aquafortis vntil all the spirits become forth the which ye shall seperate in Balneo from the oile then take that oile which remained in the bottom and rectify it in sand and thou shalt haue a most precious oile or balme thou shalt note that the first liquor seperated in Balneo is called liquor fecularuÌ„ vini or spiritus tartari which would be rectified froÌ„ the colcothar 3. or 4. times to take away his stinking smell the oile which ye rectifyed is called oleum fecularum vini siue mumia fecularum vini the which is most profitable in curing of running and corroding vlcers and sores which goe creeping vpon the flesh and especiallie those that come ex lue venerea being dâ—onke in wine it breaketh the grauell in the raines bladder and expelleth it by vrine certaine drops being dronke with the decoction of frogges is conuenient for the pthisick It preuenteth the infection of the plague if yee annoint the â—ostrelles therewith It drieth and consumeth ficus in ano in short time without any paine Furthermore Ê’ 1. of the spirit of tartar being dronke with the water of fumetorie or hirundinaria or such like is conuenient for pustulas gallicas exanthemata erisipelas the dropsie water betweene the skinne and the flesh menstrual fluxe and all obstructions of those partes as the iaunders It taketh away the leprosie in the beginning ye shall note that ye may augment his force meruellously in this order Ye shal mixe it with Aqua theriacalis which is made thus Take perfect good theriakle â„¥ 5. redde mirra â„¥ 2. Safrone â„¥ ss the spirite of wine â„¥ 10. mixe them in a glasse and set it to digest 6 or 7. daies then distill it in Balneo Sometimes they put into this water Ê’ 2. of Campher especiallie when it is vsed in whot burning agewes and inflamations and then it is called Aquae theriacalis camphorata As for example Take Spiritus vitriolli 1. ounce Liquoris fecularum vini correcti 3. ounces Aquae theriacalis 5. ounces mixe them and digest them in Balneo 40. daies then giue thereof 1. dram with good strong wine or other conuenient liquor bothe for the aforesaid effectes and also to cure and preuent infinite other diseases for this composition hath a singuler percing qualitie aboue many others yee shall note that the liquor of Lignum vite may be vsed in the same order and so it will worke his effect with more speede Sal tartari TAke those feces that remained of the Tartar at the first distillation and calcine them vntill they be white then dissolue it in faire water distilled beeing warme filter and congeale it and in the bottome ye shall finde a white salte which laied in a moyst place will turne into oile the which taketh away spottes in the face or any other partes also it clenseth vlcers if ye mixe 1. dram with 1. ounce of the spirit of wine this oile maketh the haire faire and yellowe yee shall note that if this salte be often calcined and congeled it will become Christaline and is of great force against diuers infirmities as hereafter God willing shall be taught The liquor of Honie Cap. 2. THat which diuers men call the oile of H onie is not a vnctuous oile like vnto other oiles but rather a certaine element the which is neither oile nor water although it bee cleere this is not much vsed in chirurgerie by cause it is not conuenient in sores but rather a thing appertaining to phisicke because it comforteth the stomacke strengtheneth the spirites and extinguisheth all feuers it helpeth the collicke It
dissolueth the stone in the raines and prouoketh vrine The last liquor that is redde maketh the heare yellowe as golde if ye wash it there with diuers times It taketh away spots in the eies and is thus made Take pure honie 2. pouÌ„d and distil it in a glasse that containeth 2. gallons with a gentle fire in sand till it changeth colour then change the receiuer increase the fire a little vntill all the fumes be come foorth the which will afterwarde turne into a redde liquor which some call the oile ex leonardo Phiorauanti There is also a quintaessence or burning spirit made out of honie the which hath the vertues and quailities that the spirite of wine hath in all pointes and may be vsed in steede therof some affirme that this quintaessence or spirite of honie will dissoule golde being firste calcined and circulated therewith certaine daies It dissolueth like wise any kinde of iewell that is put therein It healeth woundes with greate speede if ye wash them therewith It helpeth againste the cough cattar and paines of the milte it cureth spots in the eies and preserueth the sight It is affirmed that one vsinge this essence 40 daies was cured of the Palsie and fallingesicknesse also this quintaessence beeing distilled 20. times with perfect pure siluer calcined it wil restore the sight vnto those that are in manner blinde The extraâ—ction of liquors out of plantes flowers seedes and rootes Cap. 3. PVt Celandine brused into a glasse cucurbit well stopped set itto digest 15. daies in warm dung then distil it with a gentle fire vntill the feces remaine drie the which ye shall stampe powâ—ring there on the element of water before distilled that iâ—t may be couered 4 fingers theÌ„ stop the glasse putrifie it 8. daies in Balneo after distill it againe giuing fire by degrees til ther come forth no more spirits in this 2. distillation thou shalt haue the water aire the fleme if ye wil ye may seperate by Balneo which reserue then calcine the feces that remaine which imbibe with the fleme reserued puttifie it in Balneo and distill it per alembicum vntill the matter appeare in white stones the which by often solutions and coagulations with his proper water become cristaline and so the earth shall remaine well purified which although it be white notwithstanding containeth his fire and inward tincture vpon this put on your 2. first elementes before reserued and circulate al together in Balneo till the oile appeare and swim vpon which is called the true essence endued with infinite quallities In like manner ye may attaine the true preparations of Melissa sage and Valerian and all other hearbes In that manner ye may prepare the oyles of flowers but the herbes and flowers which yeeld small quantitie of oyle must be cut or stamped small and then put it into a glasse mixing with them if they be drie faire water distilled But if they be moist or waterish ye shall put them in a glasse alone close stopped and set them in the sunne or some warme place to macerate vntill ye see the oile swimme vppon the toppe the which ye shall power foorth and making it warme ye may seperate it by a funnell or conuenient instrumente Some vse to take those herbes and flowers thus macerated and distil them in a vessel of copper with a refrigeratory and after seperate the oile ye shall note that what vertue the herbe is of the oile is of the same but much more forcible subtile Oyle of Time his vertues THree or 4. droppes being drunke with aqua mulsa helpeth the painefull cough shortnes of breath clenseth the brest and ripeneth the fleme it prouoketh vrine expelleth the secundine and dead fruite from the maâ—rix in diâ—â—olueth clotted and coÌ„gealed bloud within the body being vsed with Oximell and a little salte it purgeth toughe and clammie fleme and sharpe cholerike humours and corruption of the bloud It preuaileth against blastings and winde in the bellie and stones being often vsed it preuaileth against melancholie diseases and the goute the smell of this oile is profitable for those that are toubled with the falling sicknesse Beeing put in to a hollowe tooth it taketh away the paines presentlie Oyle of sweete Margerom THis oile being often vsed with other conuenient medicines is most profitable for those that are fallen into a dropsie and cannot make water but with great difficultie It preuaileth against winde and gripings in the belly and prouoketh neesing it is comfortable against all paines of the heade and restoreth smelling beeing lost if it bee put into the eare nostrels it is good against poison and the stinging of Scorpiones Oyle of Sage THis oile dissolueth congeled bloud within the body cureth inward woundes and bruses comming either of a stripe or fall It prouoketh vrine and expelleth grauell comforteth the hart and head that is greeued with cold humours it is profitable for women with child because it closeth the matrix and comforteth the childe it is profitable for those that are troubled with the gout palsie or weakenes of the sinewes if ye mixe it with oile of waxe annoint the partes therewith it helpeth the cough and openeth obstructions of the liuer and swageth paines in the side beeing drunke with wormewood wine it is profitable against the bitings of venemous beastes for it cleanseth the sores and healeth them if it be put into vnguentes fitte for that purpose Oyle of Peniriall THis oile being drunke with conuenient liquors proueketh Menstrua and bringeth foorth the after burthen the dead fruite and vnnatural birth It prouoketh vrine and breaketh the stone especially in the kidnes being taken with conuenient siropes it clenseth the lunges and breast from al grosse and thicke humors beeing taken with aloes and honie it preuaileth against crampes and contractions of the sinewes being dronke with water and vineger it stayeth the inordinat desire to vomit gnawing paines of the stomack and is profitable against the biting of venemous beastes the annointing of the temples and nostrelles with this oile is profitable against the falling sicknes and taketh away the swimming paines thereof and is most profitable for those that haue a colde and moist braine it slaketh the paines of the gout the fume of this oile being receaued at the lower partes with a funnell is profitable against windines and blastinges and also against hardnes stoppings of the matrix Oile of Mintes THis warmeth and strengtheneth the stomacke and dryeth vp moist and superfluous humors gathered in the same and causeth good digestion it stayeth vomitting being dronke and annointing the stomacke therewith and killeth round wormes being often vsed it helpeth the griping paines of the collicke and stayeth the menstruall fluxe being either eaten or dronk with some conuenient medicine it easeth women which are much troubled with harde and perillous trauell in childe birth It helpeth deafnes if it be
be compared to balme 4 or 5. drops being drunke preuenteth the resolution of the Sinewes the falling sickenes and other diseases of the braine it preserueth the body from poison and pestilent aires it comâ—orteth a weake cold stomacke staieth vomiting it purgeth the raines breaketh grauell and prouoketh vrine and is profitable against the dropsie and water betweene the skinne and the flesh it killeth wormes to conclude it comforteth all weake members by his piercing vertue it helpeth conuulsiones and shakings and paines in the necke comming of a Catar if ye annointe the partes therewith it easeth the paines of the sciatica in the hippes the gout and the collicke and all malign vlcers being annointed therewith Oile of Baie berries OVt of lb. 1. of Baies there is not drawne aboue ℈ 2. of oile by distillation the which is most profitable against Collicum iliacum sciaticam passionem Oile of Iuie berries THis oile is distilled as the oile of Iuniper berries but some doo take the berries wood gum and all together and distil it by descention out of the which there will come foorth a thicke blacke oile that is profitable against colde diseases of the iointes it prouoketh the Flux Menstruall expelleth the stone and purgeth vlcers Oiles of sweete smelling thinges are thus prepared BEate them grosely then infuse theÌ„ in faire distilled water as afore is said and distil them with a refrigeratorie Oile of Cinamom THis reuiueth the naturall spirits marueilously it disperseth the euil humors in the stomack it openeth obstructions and is profitable against all cold diseases it preserueth from putrefaction it cureth woundes and vlcers as the naturall balme doth it causeth faire deliuerie of child birth it is a most precious remedie for those that lie speechlesse if ye put 3. or 4. drops into their mouth either by it selfe or mingled with cinamom water it helpeth concoction the lyke vertue the water hath but it must be vsed in greater quaÌ„tity This oile is of such a piercing nature that it pierceth thorough the whole bodie and finally it is a present remedie for a woman that soundeth in her trauaile if she drinke 3. or 4. droppes The Oile or essence of Safrone TAke drie Safron and drawe awaie his tincture with the spirit of wine vntill the feces remaine white the which ye shall calcine according to arte and circulate them in Balneo with the said meÌ„strua afterward let it settle vapor away the said Menstrua in Balneo and the essence of Safron will remaine in the bottome the which is excellent to comforte the spirites for if ye mixe a droppe or two with brothe or some conuenient liquor it restoreth and strengtheneth the weake spirites marueilouslie but especiallye the hart with infinite other vertues which wee omitte tyll another time Oile of Mace THis oile is of a hot facultie and therefore it is commodiouslie vsed in the Collicke comming of a cold cause or of a Catar descending from the heade it comforteth the hart belly and Matrix It is also good against trembling of the hart the obstructions of the bladder and Matrix it helpeth the strangurie and all diseases hauing their original of colde It strengtheneth the stomacke and wombe being vsed in wine or broth or made in losenges Oile of Cloues THis oile is very profitable for the bellie hart and liuer and hath all the qualities of naturall balme it healeth all fresh woundes and punctures it strengtheneth the hart and head and helpeth the megrim it purgeth melancholie bloud it sharpeneth the sight comforteth the stomacke causeth digestion and maketh a sweete breath it helpeth the collicke and all the paines in the bellie comming of colde if ye drink two or three drops in wine or eate losenges made with the same oile Oile of Pepper THis oile hath much more vertue then the Pepper it selfe in piercing and specially in the windie collicke other weake partes filled with fleame it staieth the shaking of the feuer tertain if ye take three or foure droppes with sirope of quinces two houres afore the fitte prouided that the bodie be first well purged and let bloud as occasion shal serue ye shal note this oile is onely the ayrie parte seperated from the other elementes Oile of Nutmegges THis oile being drunke with coÌ„uenient liquors bringeth downe the menstruall fluxe and also the quicke and deade fruite and therefore women with childe shall not vse this oile vntill such time as they be in trauell and then it causeth faire deliuerie without any danger it is profitable against all paines of the heade comming of colde it causeth a sweete breath and warmeth and strengtheneth a cold stomacke and consumeth superfluous humors of the same it dispearseth winde and appeaseth the collicke is profitable for the affects of the bladder it helpeth inward woundes beeing drunke with some conuenient wound drinke it helpeth colde diseases of the sinewes and swellinge of the Spleene two or three droppes being taken in broth Oiles of Woodes are thus prepared TAke Lignum vite rasped in powder and put it into a glasse or stone pot close stopped and set it in Balneo or warme dunge certaine daies to digest then distill it with a gentle fire Per descensum and there will come foorth a liquor called of the chimistes Mercurie then increase the fire and there will come foorth an oile which is called the sulfure the which must bee purged by arte from his stincking smel then take the ashes of the woode and drawe foorth his salt with Fumetorie water the which ye shall calcine dissolue and congele diuers times vntill it be as white as snow the which salte by a workeman may be brought Cristalline Of the Mercury or first liquor is giuen one spoonful or more with 2. ounces of Fumetorie water against all vicious humours in the body and driueth them out by sweate with the oile or sulfure ye shall cure the vlcers or other greefes after the bodie is well purged with the salt the which is done in this order Take of the salte Ê’ i. good theriakle â„¥ ss mixe them and giue thereof Ê’ ss more or lesse according to the discretion of the phisicion and the strength of the partie in this order must thou draw forth the Mercurie sulfur salt of all maner of woods there are diuers other orders to giue this Mercurie or liquor whereof some are written in the chapter where wee intreat of spiritus tartars Oile of Iuniper wood THis oile is profitable for members that are weakened through cold it strengtheneth the raines and matrix and helpeth conception it cureth maligne vlcers wounds and swageth paine it taketh away the fit of a quartane feuer especiallie being annointed from the nauell downeward Oile of the wood of Ashe THis oile doth cure the colde gout and cicatriceth raw places it dissolueth the white morphew and maketh it blacke it cureth those that
haue the palsie and is profitable for those that are vexed with the splene not only dronke but also annointed therewith The true order to prepare and make oiles out of Rosens concreat liquors and gummes Chap. 4. THis oile is distilled with a geÌ„tle fire in Balneo and is most pure cleer some distil it in fand or ashes putting therto a haÌ„dful of salt a litle aqua vitae some put to it for euery lb. of turpentine â„¥ iij. of sifted ashes to keep the matter froÌ„ running ouer This oile is most profitable against cold diseases of the sinewes against asthma difficultie of breathing if ye drinke thereof Ê’ ij euery morning it preuaileth against grosse humors gathered together in the breast it ceaseth the paines of the collicke it helpeth chappes in womeÌ„s breastes and woundes it taketh away the crampe it helpeth deafnes and prouoketh vrine Oile of Frankensence THis oile is distilled as afore is said in sand with a gentle fire according to art vntill all the substance be come forth the which will be both oile and water the which yee must seperate by a funnell the water is good against winde in the stomacke if it be dronke it helpeth all chappes and chilblaines and such like either in the hands or feete if ye wash them therwith and annoint them with the oile against the fire and straight waies put on a paire of gloues it helpeth the white scall if yee wash it therewith also all maner of scabbes laying thereon morning and euening a cloth wet in the same it dryeth vp vlcers sores the oile is most precious against woundes in all partes of the body because it preserueth from putrefaction and alteration and taketh away paines if ye ioine the wound close together and lay this oile warm heron The first oile that commeth forth is cleere and preserueth the handes and face being annointed therewith it is also most profitable against all colde diseases inwardly if yee geue thereof Ê’ i. with conuenient liquors it dissolueth all tumors and aches comming of colde it taketh away the blacknes of any bruise being new done in two or three houres by continuall annointing the place so fast as it dryeth in Oile of Succinum or Amber STamp your amber small distill it in a retort with the powder of flint stones giuing it fire according to art vntill all the substance be come forth the which will bee both water and oile and a sal armoniacke the which wil hange about the Receauer the which keepe as a precious iuell then seperat one from another the oile is good against all affectes of the head comming of colde moist humors it helpeth the resolution of the sinewes the Apoplexia the falling sicknes and being put into the nostrelles when they fall it will recouer them presently it preserueth a man from poison and pestilent aires if yee annoint the nostrelles therwith it is good against diseases of the raines and bladder it dryueth forth grauell and prouoketh vrine if it be dronke with conuenient liquors it helpeth the collicke choking of the matrix being annointed therewith it bringeth forth the fruit and causeth faire deliuerance if it be dronke with conuenient liquors it strengtheneth and comforteth all the powres of the bodie it consumeth superfluous humors Oile of Masticke THe Apothecaries of â„¥ 4. of Mastike lb. i. of the oile of vnripe Oliues with â„¥ 4. of rosewater do make an oile which the Phisi ions prescribe to cure the lienterie and vomitting and to strengthen the stomacke and liuer which preparation is accounted ridiculous vnto those which out of lb. i. of mastike by their art draw â„¥ 10. of most pure oile whereof two droppes taken either with wine or broth or applied to the grieued place will profit more to cure the aforesaid diseases then lb. i. not of mastike but oâ—iues rather which our Phisitions I know not by what reason do vse now adaies wherefore yee shall prepare your oile in this manner Take of pure mastike lb. i. put it in a glasse with distilled water and aqua vitae of each alike so that it may be couered 4. fingers high then lute it close and set it in warme dung to putrify certaine daies afterward distill it in sand giuing fire by degrees and first there wil come forth with the menstruâ— a yellow oile the which keepe by it selfe then augment the fire and there will come forth a redde oile then at the last there will come forth a thicke blacke oile smelling of the fire the which ye shall circulate with the spirit of wine seperated from the first and then distill it againe and thou shalt haue a perfect oile profitable for outward griefes especially for his piercing force whereby it doth refresh all the members it strengtheneth the stomacke it helpeth concoction and inflations of the bowels it mollifyeth and asswageth their sorenes It comforteth and strengtheneth all the sinewes also the first yellow oile is geuen with wine or his proper decoction for the same diseases and to stoppe reumes if ye feare his fyrie heate after the aqua vite is seperated ye may wash it with rose water or faire water distilled and so ye shall make an excellent medicine against diuers infirmities Philippus Hermanus writeth that this oile is of a most subtill nature and stoppeth the menstruall flox and all other flixes being vsed with conuenient medicines either inward or outward it is good against falling downe of the fundement if ye annoint the parts therwith and put theÌ„ into their naturall place it is also profitable against the rupture in yong children it healeth woundes it fasteneth the teeth if yee annoint the gummes therewith Oile of Mirrha TAke pure mirrha â„¥ vj. and put thereto â„¥ xij of the spirit of wine set it in warme dung 6 daies then seperat the menstrua and the tincture or oile will remaine in the bottom This oile hath the vertues of naturall balme and preserueth all thinges from putrefaction that is annointed therewith Also the face being annointed therewith in a bath or stoue is preserued in youthfull state a long time it healeth woundes quicklie it helpeth foule stinking vlcers it helpeth those that are deafe it helpeth the paines of the mother if it be annointed therewith This oile dryeth and consumeth all accidents after child birth being dronke it maketh a sweete breath and helpeth the cough and shortnes of winde it helpeth the stitch in the side and all other inward diseases if ye drinke Ê’ ij thereof it stayeth haire froÌ„ falling If any be troubled with a feuer let them annoint all their bodie therewith and lay them downe to sweate and they shall be cured it taketh away the stinch of the armepittes if ye annoint the partes therewith in a bath or stoue being mixed with wine and the mouth washed therewith it fasteneth the teeth and gummes when ye will vse this oile to preserue
any part yee must first hold it ouer the â—ume of nettels boiled in faire water vntill the pores bee open then drie it well and annoint it with this oile and it will preserue it long time in youthfull state Oile of Galbanum THis gumme must first be dissolued in distilled vineger and then distilled in a retort with a gentle fire this oile is most profitable against inwarde bruses and crampes and shtinking of sinewes being dronke with oile of mirrha it is good against venome being either dronke or shotte into the body with venemous arrowes also dronke in the same order it prouoketh womens termes and deliuereth the dead fruit the fume of this oile being receaued at the lower partes worketh the same effect Also the fume of this oile being taken at the mouth helpeth the rising of the mother being layd to the nauell it causeth the matrix to stay in his naturall place the fume of this oile is profitable against the falling sicknes if ye annoint the nostrelles therewith In this maner ye may make oile of labdanuÌ„ opoponax sagapenum Amoniacum and such like which doe soften the knots of the gout and doth mightily dissolue the hardnes of the liuer splene and other members if they be distilled all together or taken euerie one by himselfe according to the method prescribed Oile of Egges SOme make this oile by distillation of the yolks of egges some by stirring them in a pan ouer the fire after they be sodden hard The water of egges being distilled taketh away scarres and spottes in the face or other places The oile comforteth against all paines it helpeth woundes by gunshot it preuaileth much against burninges and scaldings either with fire or water or powder it maketh haire blacke if ye annoint it therewith it slaketh the paines of the hemeroides if yee annoint them therewith often times The yolkes of egges being distilled with as much white wax is most precious to heale woundes and bruses for it resolueth them with great speede the stomacke being annointed therwith causeth good digestion and comforteth it meruellouslie The true preparation of certaine oiles which are commonlie vsed in Apothecaries shops to be applied outwardly FOr outward medicines you shall best draw forth the hole strength of roses violets nymphaea white popie henbane and Mandrake with oile oliue which are commonly vsed in shoppes all which do quench inflamations and great heates asswage hot swellinges strengthen and thicken the member stoppe fluxes helpe madnes and prouoke sleepe if you vse this method following Oile of Roses TAke oleum omphacinum and wash it with common water distilled diuers times then purify it in Balneo vntill it leaue no more feces then take lb. j. of this oile so prepared of red roses the whites being cutte off and brused in a stone morter lb. j. ss put them into a glasse and set it to putrify in warme dung twelue daies being close luted theÌ„ presse forth the oile and put in fresh leaues as afore is said and putrify it againe and this ye shall doe three or foure times and so shall ye haue a perfect good oile in like sort shall you make all other cooling oiles for topicall medecines very well So is oile of Quinces and myrtilles made which refrigerat and astringe and are applied to the stomacke liuer braine and weake bowelles and also to the fundement In like manner are oiles made of Camomill and Lilies which doth strengthen the sinewes moderat resolue and swage aches but these are made with ripe sweet oile prepared as afore Of mintes wormewood lentiscus and others after the same order are oiles made with oleum omphacinum which being annointed doth moderatly warme the stomacke and strengthen the other partes and helpe concoction but first they are prepared with their proper water and astringent wine and must be clensed from all feces in Balneo certaine daies as is afore said But if any man will warme attenuat and digest the more strongly by these oiles let him take like portions of oile purifyed in Balneo and the spirit of wine Out of baies and such like beries ye may make oile if ye digest them the space of a moneth in warme dung and then presse them forth serua They are good for all colde greefes of the braine or sinewes and disperse winde But all these oiles of hot quallities will be much better if they be drawne onely with the spirit of wine in Balneo without any addition of other oile as Galen 1. simp cap. 15. Although it doth easilie inflame yet it doth not so quickly heate vs for through his grose and slimie substance sticking fast to that it first toucheth and therfore indureth long vpon all things wherewith it is annointed neither is it extenuated or digested of the aire about it or easily made to passe into the bodie Of artificiall saltes and their properties Chap. 1. THe vse and profit of saltes that are drawen out of simples by calcination are in maner as great in phisicke as the rocke or common salt is which daily and in general serueth to mans releefe for when from simples a grosse fleme is taken awaye which in troth hindereth their operation how much more woulde they performe their operation if they were conuerted into a spirituall matter which by long distillations and filtrings is caused that they may change by a certaine manner into a firye matter therefore it is not to be doubted that when the simples be conuerted into a salte and the element of fire hath in no such wise dominion in them but that they pierce sooner and may performe their proper action that such a heape or companie of diuers simples shall not neede besides in the composition of remedies for such salts haue certaine properties the which other purgers being distilled want for euerie salt saith Theophrastus Paracelsus purgeth but the distilled waters of the purgers lacke or haue not the same propertie because his salt is not ioyned in the same so that I suppose a great tartnes or sharpnes consifteth in them all The manner and fashion to prepare these saltes are diuers according to the opinion of the Authors Some will the hearbes to be gathered in their due time and distill away the water in Balneo then calcine the feces and with their proper water draw forth the salt the which yee shall calcine in a fornace of calcination and dissolue it againe and congeale it and this ye shall do vntill it be white as snowe the which afterward by a workeman may be brought christalline These saltes called alkalye must be kept in a glasse close stopped because the aire will soon resolue them which happeneth especially to those that are made of hearbes those substances which possesse and haue more quantity of eile and the subtiller Some calcine them slightly some more some lesse some make their salte with their owne water distilled from the hearbes some with raine water distilled
vrine and menstrua that are suppressed it resisteth corruption it cureth the plague and sundrie feuers as pestilential tercians quartanes and quotidianes it withstandeth vomitting There is no doubt but that al these vertues are contained in this blessed Mumia for that we see the effect in crude vrine for it moueth vrine and menstrua it cureth tumors the dropsie it helpeth the paines and wind in the gutâ—es collicke it is profitable against the feuer tercian quartan quotidian and against the plage and pestilent feuer it is a remedy if it be dronke 15. daies together with safron or certaine graines of this powder following whose wonderfull vertues daily experience doth shew as well in curing as preuenting as hath bin proued in the time of the pestilence Take Maces laied to steepe in vineger 24 houres ouÌ„ ij caÌ„phir ouÌ„ ss Manus Christi made with dissolued perle oile of cinamom ouÌ„ iiij beat them in fine powder and keepe it to thy vse Vrine also breaketh the stone in the raines and bladder it dissolueth the obstructions of the liuer it cureth the iandies it purgeth the lunges and killeth wormes with diuers other vertues which ye shall find written in a booke called Vrinarum probationes Iodoci Wilichij the dose of the essence is from ouÌ„ i. to ouÌ„ ij with sugar cinamom of the crude vrine yee may drinke greater quantitie Paracelsus writeth a great arcauÌ„ of vrine and calleth it Rebisola and sal cristalline the which cureth the iandies take the vrine of a yong child as a fore and boile it in a glasse or stone vessell and skum it cleane then put it in a glasse and set it in a moist place certaine daies and in the bottom ye shall finde certaine stones â—f salt congealed the which are called Rebisola and are of a wonderfull vertue against all obstructions of the body The feces remaining in the bottom after the vrine is quite boiled away being calcined white and dissolued in a conuenient distilled water and congealed againe into a most white powder is a most approued experiment against all outward greefes of the eies if it bee put therin twice a day Rec. Euphrasiae faeniculi rutae chelidoniae veâ—benae betonicae ana m. i Rosmarini m. ss semen feniculi anisi carui sileris montani ana ouÌ„ ss Calami aromatici Ê’ vi thurismirrhae aloes ana Ê’ ij aque rosaruÌ„ lb ij aque rutae vini odorati ana lb i. vrinae pueri lb ss let them stande together foure daies and then distill them in a glasse and therewith wash your eies Also yee shall hange in this water a fine linnen cloth wherein is the powder of white amber or succinum or else put in the powder it selfe Also it would bee good to wash their feet in the morning with the decoctioÌ„ of betonye and sometime to take the fume of Xyloaloes in the eies the which is a present remedy against Opthalmia Of common salt THere are founde three sortes of saltes the one naturall which is a meane mineral called sal gemmae or stone salt the which is found in mountaines in the prouince of Calabria and in Spaine in the I le of Iuiza whereof there are diuers medicines prepared the second is artificiall as is made in Cheshire and diuers other places by boiling it The third kinde is made in the sand by extreame heate of the sunne but the most pleasantest and well relished salt is that which is boiled on the fire for it is pure and white neuerthelesse the salt of the mountaine is of more vertue in phisicall causes for if it be calcined 40. dayes and then dissolued in the quintessence of honie it is of such vertue that it will in maner reuiue a man that lies speechlesse if yee giue him a spoonefull thereof to drinke also this salt being made in a pultus with branne and oile and applied warme helpeth many griefes Also a decoction of sal geÌ„mae with wine and oile being giuen in a clister is most profitable against pains of the head the sciatica and paines of the raines and likewise is profitable for those that are troubled with a carnositie in the yard for by nature it preserueth all thinges from putrefaction also this salt being often calcined dissolued congealed may be vsed in meates in stead of common salt for it procureth an appetite causeth digestion killeth wormes with diuers other vertues Also it may be made fusible in this order Rec. lb. i. of sal geÌ„mae and 2. ounces of tartar calcined one ounce of sal nitri and boile them in distilled vineger vntil it be drye then grind it to powder and boile it with as much faire water vntill it be drie and this ye shall doo so often vntill it remaine like an oile in the bottome for as soone as it feeleth the aire it will turne to water This oile doth retaine all volatill spirits is called of the Alchemistes their susible salt It helpeth in manner all kind of vlcers if ye touch them therewith in short time L. F. Oleum salis Rec. coÌ„mon salt lb. 3. terrae luteae lb. 6. salis nitri purgati ouÌ„ i. ss mixe them well together distil theÌ„ in a retort of earth as ye would do aqua fortis vntil all the spirits be come forth the which ye shall rectify in sand vntill all the fleme be separated from the spirites This oile being mixed with oile of verbascum and annointed taketh away the paines of the gout and dissolueth hard swellinges It quickneth a man it consumeth water betweene the flesh and the skinne it driueth away the falling sicknesse it profiteth against the dropsie and feuers if three or foure droppes be dronke with aqua vitae Sal nitri THis salt is a kind of salt of vrine the which is taken forth of the earth by art and is verie profitable against many infirmities and worketh two contrarie effectes the first is that it cooleth greatly as yee may see in sommer when the weather is most hot how that for to coole their wine presently they take sal nitri and mixe it with water and therin shake or moue their bottelles of tinne or glasse being full of wine presently it waxeth as cold as Ise also laid vppon the tong it cooleth maruellouslie To the coÌ„trary if ye drink the waight of Ê’ i. it will heate the bodie maruellouslie Also a water made of sal nitri and roch allome according to art is of such an extreme heat that it wil dissolue siluer copper Iron steele and all other sortes of mettalles presently into water Moreouer being mixed with cole and sulfur it maketh gunpowder Also sal nitri being calcined 30. daies with as much tartar and circulated with the spirites of wine mixed with the spirites of cinamom ginger and cloues it will bee a most rare medicine to cure the Etisie and dropsie such like diseases Oleum salis nitri