adequate_a activity_n and_o passion_n for_o some_o of_o the_o element_n be_v therein_o either_o in_o a_o active_a or_o passive_a power_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v therein_o actual_o but_o in_o the_o philosopher_n stone_n which_o be_v gold_n be_v it_o be_v a_o uniform_a work_n of_o nature_n all_o the_o four_o element_n active_a and_o passive_a be_v actual_o therein_o and_o permanent_a in_o a_o equal_a proportion_n for_o the_o essence_n or_o nature_n of_o gold_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o four_o element_n equal_o mix_v not_o that_o their_o form_n and_o matter_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v therein_o equal_a but_o their_o passive_a and_o active_a power_n that_o be_v they_o be_v each_o alike_o and_o equal_a not_o in_o quantity_n but_o in_o quality_n because_o that_o the_o active_a do_v not_o exceed_v the_o passive_a in_o its_o act_n nor_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o passive_a do_v not_o exceed_v the_o active_a by_o suffer_v more_o because_o there_o be_v a_o equal_a proportion_n as_o to_o measure_v in_o our_o gold_n or_o in_o our_o medicine_n double_a hot_a double_a moist_a double_a cold_a double_a dry_a and_o all_o these_o be_v actual_o therein_o by_o actual_a action_n and_o passion_n that_o be_v fire_n air_n water_n and_o earth_n as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o and_o all_o these_o be_v say_v to_o be_v alike_o and_o equal_a in_o quality_n not_o quantity_n because_o they_o be_v equal_a in_o active_n and_o passives_n and_o they_o be_v therefore_o durable_o permanent_a in_o gold_n because_o the_o passive_a in_o it_o consist_v permanent_o in_o its_o active_a and_o on_o the_o other_o part_n the_o passive_a rise_v not_o up_o against_o the_o active_a and_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v alike_o in_o quantity_n that_o be_v there_o ought_v not_o be_v so_o much_o matter_n of_o fire_n as_o there_o be_v matter_n of_o earth_n because_o then_o the_o fire_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o quality_n will_v be_v everywhere_o of_o a_o unequal_a activity_n with_o its_o passive_a earth_n and_o of_o a_o far_o great_a wherefore_o there_o be_v in_o gold_n as_o to_o its_o matter_n but_o not_o as_o to_o its_o quality_n much_o more_o of_o the_o heavy_a and_o more_o passive_a element_n than_o of_o the_o light_a and_o more_o active_a that_o â—s_n more_o in_o quantity_n there_o be_v in_o â—t_a a_o great_a quantity_n of_o earth_n than_o water_n a_o great_a quantity_n of_o water_n than_o air_n a_o great_a of_o air_n than_o fire_n wherefore_o it_o be_v the_o heavy_a of_o all_o metal_n but_o in_o this_o â—nequal_a proportion_n of_o quantity_n there_o be_v a_o equal_a and_o like_a proportion_n of_o quality_n of_o hot_a dry_a moist_a and_o cold_a because_o each_o of_o these_o be_v in_o gold_n as_o have_v be_v say_v the_o cause_n of_o which_o weight_n be_v the_o permanency_n of_o the_o solidity_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o water_n and_o the_o solution_n of_o a_o homogeneous_a water_n with_o the_o earth_n because_o water_n dissolve_v a_o homogeneous_a earth_n also_o their_o intrinsical_a thorough_a mixture_n in_o their_o very_a least_o particle_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o weight_n because_o the_o water_n as_o well_o in_o gold_n as_o quicksilver_n suffer_v not_o the_o earth_n to_o have_v any_o â—res_n in_o it_o which_o be_v otherwise_o in_o other_o metal_n in_o which_o pore_n be_v insensible_o make_v in_o their_o congelation_n because_o of_o the_o dross_n mingle_v in_o those_o metal_n all_o over_o reject_v by_o the_o mercurial_a nature_n and_o heterogeneous_a whereupon_o their_o lightness_n result_v which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o want_n of_o matter_n and_o porousness_n of_o the_o same_o as_o weight_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o solid_a addition_n of_o matter_n wherefore_o if_o there_o be_v in_o a_o equal_a commensurative_a quantity_n so_o much_o of_o the_o solid_a matter_n of_o fire_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o earth_n fire_n will_v be_v as_o weighty_a as_o earth_n but_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o weight_n of_o saturn_n be_v its_o immature_n congelation_n because_o it_o dâ—â—â—_n not_o yet_o reject_v the_o dross_n of_o its_o part_n whence_o pore_n be_v make_v in_o it_o but_o the_o pure_a and_o impure_a abide_v through_o mix_v together_o in_o it_o everywhere_o as_o in_o the_o first_o crude_a quicksilver_n in_o which_o the_o inspissation_n and_o coagulation_n be_v weak_a for_o that_o cause_n saturn_n or_o lead_n retain_v the_o weight_n of_o its_o quicksilver_n not_o because_o of_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o solid_a matter_n but_o because_o of_o its_o immature_n coagulation_n or_o coction_n wherefore_o if_o in_o this_o work_n you_o will_v not_o destroy_v the_o fire_n and_o air_n you_o must_v preserve_v in_o a_o distinct_a and_o like_a proportion_n the_o heat_n of_o the_o compound_v but_o if_o you_o will_v not_o destroy_v the_o air_n and_o the_o water_n then_o in_o the_o same_o compound_v you_o must_v cherish_v the_o humid_a so_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n you_o may_v preserve_v the_o water_n and_o earth_n or_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o fire_n in_o the_o say_a work_n by_o preserve_v right_o and_o by_o the_o artifice_n of_o the_o philosophic_a skill_n both_o the_o cold_a and_o dry_a because_o if_o you_o destroy_v any_o one_o of_o they_o the_o proportionabâ—â—_n form_n and_o kind_n of_o gold_n be_v lose_v for_o this_o cause_n the_o philosopher_n say_v our_o gold_n be_v make_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o every_o element_n every_o element_n be_v intrinsical_o preserve_v in_o it_o and_o actual_o compound_v it_o wherefore_o all_o the_o element_n be_v intrinsical_o in_o act_n or_o power_n the_o principle_n of_o all_o compound_a alterable_a thing_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n be_v say_v to_o be_v all_o thing_n furthermore_o my_o reverend_a doctor_n for_o your_o credit_n sake_n you_o must_v understand_v the_o say_n of_o the_o philosopher_n according_a to_o the_o possibility_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n for_o they_o have_v handle_v this_o holy_a and_o hide_a art_n and_o its_o secret_n under_o similitude_n fable_n riddle_n and_o obscure_a word_n and_o have_v hide_v it_o purposely_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o unlearned_a impious_a and_o unworthy_a furthermore_o that_o i_o may_v go_v on_o to_o other_o head_n of_o your_o epistle_n i_o understand_v the_o artifice_n of_o your_o stone_n to_o be_v a_o composure_n from_o gold_n but_o from_o your_o writing_n i_o can_v apprehend_v it_o because_o you_o set_v not_o down_o the_o first_o original_n of_o that_o composition_n therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o handle_v it_o more_o at_o large_a till_o you_o instruct_v i_o full_o and_o more_o plain_o in_o its_o composition_n and_o operation_n for_o i_o can_v neither_o believe_v that_o the_o elixir_n or_o philosopher_n stone_n can_v consist_v of_o the_o sign_n appear_v in_o it_o and_o of_o the_o property_n of_o the_o nutritive_a vegetation_n of_o the_o flame_a fire_n which_o you_o attribute_v to_o it_o as_o i_o have_v open_o show_v in_o what_o i_o have_v say_v already_o but_o when_o i_o receive_v your_o work_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o so_o great_a a_o secret_a send_v unto_o i_o i_o at_o once_o understand_v your_o unfeigned_a love_n and_o free_a confidence_n in_o i_o wherefore_o for_o your_o friendship_n sake_n i_o reserve_v your_o stone_n with_o i_o and_o keep_v it_o as_o a_o most_o acceptable_a gift_n and_o shall_v write_v unto_o you_o more_o concern_v it_o when_o you_o shall_v declare_v it_o to_o i_o more_o manifest_o but_o whereas_o you_o say_v that_o in_o your_o stone_n there_o be_v three_o a_o body_n spirit_n and_o soul_n which_o be_v manifest_a to_o you_o by_o your_o experience_n and_o work_v the_o philosopher_n when_o they_o say_v those_o three_o natural_a thing_n be_v in_o their_o artificial_a stone_n understand_v it_o by_o way_n of_o resemblance_n and_o experiment_n for_o they_o call_v the_o earth_n its_o body_n and_o bone_n because_o it_o be_v a_o astringent_a compound_v and_o restrain_v the_o fluid_a element_n from_o their_o raw_a flexibility_n have_v the_o fire_n also_o with_o it_o symbolical_o by_o its_o dryness_n but_o they_o call_v the_o water_n and_o air_n its_o spirit_n because_o they_o be_v the_o element_n that_o moisten_v and_o dissolve_v the_o earth_n but_o they_o call_v the_o air_n and_o fire_n the_o soul_n because_o they_o ripen_v and_o digest_v the_o whole_a compound_v and_o they_o name_v they_o thus_o with_o resemblance_n unto_o humane_a nature_n because_o in_o a_o well-constituted_n flesh_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v bone_n to_o sustain_v the_o body_n and_o likewise_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n a_o vivacity_n of_o vegetable_a accident_n which_o be_v call_v its_o spirit_n contrary_a to_o the_o error_n of_o the_o pagan_a philosopher_n who_o think_v the_o vital_a spirit_n to_o be_v something_o distinct_a from_o the_o body_n compound_v and_o part_n compound_v
the_o spiritual_a sulphureous_a fiery_a water_n of_o mercury_n wherein_o the_o body_n of_o sol_n be_v dissolve_v and_o burn_v up_o and_o of_o this_o dissolve_a and_o destroy_v body_n a_o new_a world_n likewise_o be_v create_v and_o bear_v and_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n that_o be_v a_o eternal_a clarify_a subtle_a penetrant_fw-la fixated_a body_n which_o be_v able_a to_o penetrate_v and_o perfect_v all_o other_o body_n hence_o rogerius_n say_v as_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o supernatural_a fire_n which_o be_v to_o break_v and_o melt_v into_o one_o another_o the_o element_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o as_o out_o of_o the_o break_a corruptible_a work_n of_o the_o dissolve_a element_n a_o new_a work_n will_v be_v bear_v which_o will_v be_v a_o everlasting_a work_n even_o so_o the_o holy_a trinity_n have_v show_v and_o signify_v unto_o we_o likewise_o a_o supernatural_a fire_n in_o the_o heavenly_a stone_n this_o supernatural_a fire_n my_o son_n the_o philosopher_n have_v hide_v in_o their_o book_n in_o parabolical_a expression_n name_v the_o same_o by_o innumerable_a name_n and_o especial_o they_o term_v it_o balneum_fw-la mariae_fw-la mercurii_n a_o moist_a horse-dung_n menstruum_fw-la urine_n milk_n blood_n aqua_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la and_o the_o like_a of_o this_o fire_n say_v bernhardus_fw-la make_v a_o vaporous_a fire_n bernhardi_fw-la continual_a digest_v not_o violent_a subtle_a airy_a clear_a close_o incombustible_a penetrant_fw-la and_o vital_a and_o thereupon_o he_o speak_v further_a true_o i_o have_v tell_v thou_o all_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o fire_n which_o only_o perform_v all_o and_o therefore_o he_o bid_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v well_o and_o often_o the_o word_n he_o say_v concern_v the_o fire_n consequent_o he_o that_o be_v wise_a will_v easy_o perceive_v thence_o that_o those_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o common_a but_o of_o a_o supernatural_a fire_n which_o also_o mary_n the_o prophetess_n do_v hint_n say_v that_o the_o element_n of_o water_n do_v dissolve_v the_o body_n and_o make_v they_o white_a and_o concern_v this_o fire_n which_o he_o call_v menstruum_fw-la and_o its_o preparation_n raymund_n lullie_o speak_v in_o his_o testamentum_fw-la novissimum_fw-la mercurii_n in_fw-la codice_fw-la in_fw-la animâ_fw-la metallorum_fw-la luce_n mercuriorum_n librâ—_n mercuriorum_n de_fw-fr secretis_fw-la naturae_fw-la de_fw-la quintâ_fw-la essentiâ_fw-la &_o in_fw-la elucidario_fw-la testamenti_fw-la c._n 4._o saying_n that_o it_o be_v not_o humane_a but_o angelical_a to_o reveal_v this_o celestial_a fire_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a secret_n of_o all_o how_o to_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o moreover_o he_o say_v in_o figurative_a expression_n that_o this_o fire_n be_v compose_v of_o horse-dung_n and_o calx_fw-la vive_fw-la but_o what_o be_v prefigure_v by_o calx_fw-la vive_fw-la i_o will_v expound_v in_o another_o place_n and_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o horse-dung_n i_o mention_v before_o mercurii_n viz._n that_o by_o horse-dung_n be_v mean_v the_o water_n of_o the_o prima_fw-la materia_fw-la for_o it_o be_v warm_a and_o moist_a like_o horse-dung_n but_o it_o be_v no_o common_a horse-dung_n as_o many_o ignorant_a person_n do_v suppose_v and_o understand_v hence_o say_v the_o philosopher_n alanus_n the_o philosopher_n call_v the_o moist_a fire_n horse-dung_n in_o which_o moisture_n be_v keep_v the_o occult_a heat_n because_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o the_o fire_n exist_v in_o the_o horse_n belly_n not_o to_o destroy_v gold_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o moisture_n to_o increase_v it_o to_o the_o like_a purpose_n speak_v alchidonius_fw-la our_o medicine_n must_v be_v hide_v in_o moist_a horse-dung_n which_o be_v the_o philosopher_n fire_n and_o alanus_n dear_a son_n be_v careful_a in_o the_o work_n of_o putrefaction_n or_o destruction_n which_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o gentle_a heat_n that_o be_v in_o moist_a horse-dung_n arnoldus_fw-la de_fw-la villâ_fw-la nouâ_fw-la in_o the_o 9th_o chap._n say_v that_o the_o heat_n of_o horse-dung_n be_v their_o fire_n so_o likewise_o alphidius_fw-la it_o be_v digest_v and_o bury_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o horse-dung_n and_o aristotle_n the_o earth_n or_o body_n will_v enjoy_v no_o virtue_n unless_o it_o be_v sublime_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o horse-dung_n and_o therefore_o say_v hermes_n roast_n and_o cook_n it_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o horse-dung_n and_o morienus_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o find_v in_o horse-dung_n what_o thou_o look_v for_o thou_o have_v best_o to_o save_v thy_o charge_n with_o these_o agree_v arnoldus_fw-la say_v philosophorum_fw-la let_v none_o seek_v for_o any_o other_o fire_n beside_o this_o for_o it_o be_v the_o fire_n of_o the_o wise_a the_o melt_a furnace_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o their_o furnace_n for_o calcine_v sublime_a reverberate_v dissolve_v and_o perform_v of_o coagulation_n and_o fixation_n for_o this_o water_n dissolve_v all_o metal_n and_o calcine_v they_o and_o melt_v itself_o together_o with_o they_o both_o into_o red_a and_o white_a in_o like_a manner_n also_o the_o turba_n and_o senior_n speak_v our_o water_n be_v a_o fire_n and_o our_o water_n be_v strong_a than_o any_o fire_n for_o it_o reduce_v the_o body_n of_o gold_n into_o a_o mere_a spirit_n which_o the_o natural_a fire_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v though_o the_o natural_a fire_n must_v likewise_o be_v have_v for_o than_o our_o water_n enter_v into_o the_o natural_a body_n and_o change_v itself_o into_o the_o primigenial_a water_n and_o afterward_o into_o earth_n or_o powder_n which_o do_v more_o forcible_o burn_v the_o gold_n than_o the_o natural_a fire_n and_o according_o calid_a say_v â—t_a be_v true_o a_o fire_n which_o burn_v and_o grind_v all_o thing_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o prepare_v this_o philosophic_a water_n or_o fire_n praeparanda_fw-la that_o be_v the_o aqua_fw-la mercurii_n the_o philosopher_n have_v conceal_v however_o raymund_n lullie_o of_o all_o have_v write_v best_a of_o it_o though_o in_o dark_a expression_n according_o first_o of_o all_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o purge_v mercury_n from_o its_o extraneous_a humidity_n and_o terrene_a terrestriety_n yet_o so_o as_o not_o by_o mean_n of_o corruptible_a thing_n for_o by_o such_o its_o noble_a fruitful_a viridescent_n and_o generate_a nature_n will_v be_v mar_v avicen_n arnoldus_fw-la geber_n raymundus_n in_o codicillo_fw-la and_o other_o philosopher_n beside_o say_v that_o mercury_n be_v best_a cleanse_v by_o sublime_v it_o from_o common_a salt_n which_o do_v the_o sublimate_n to_o be_v throw_v into_o warm_a water_n which_o will_v dissolve_v and_o sever_v the_o spirit_n of_o salt_n from_o it_o afterward_o the_o sublimate_n be_v dry_v and_o mix_v with_o salt_n of_o tartar_n and_o force_v through_o a_o retort_n it_o will_v revive_v again_o and_o this_o to_o be_v do_v divers_a time_n and_o by_o this_o proceed_n mercury_n will_v be_v free_v somewhat_o from_o its_o extraneous_a moisture_n and_o feculency_n and_o bernhardus_fw-la towards_o the_o end_n of_o his_o epistle_n say_v that_o this_o purgation_n do_v not_o hurt_n mercury_n in_o regard_n that_o the_o hot_a water_n and_o salt_n do_v not_o penetrate_v into_o its_o substance_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v here_o my_o son_n difficilis_fw-la that_o in_o regard_n that_o mercury_n be_v of_o a_o uniform_a indivisible_a substance_n it_o can_v be_v true_o and_o perfect_o cleanse_v by_o such_o a_o extraneous_a mean_n especial_o because_o its_o terrestrial_a impurity_n lie_v hide_v in_o its_o inmost_a centre_n which_o by_o no_o sublimation_n be_v to_o be_v severe_v thence_o as_o many_o ignorant_a man_n though_o in_o vain_a attempt_n and_o therefore_o other_o mean_n must_v be_v use_v to_o free_a mercury_n vive_fw-fr from_o those_o bond_n wherewith_o nature_n have_v tie_v he_o uniform_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o reduce_v he_o into_o its_o primum_fw-la ens_fw-la heterogeneis_fw-la which_o be_v a_o sulphureous_a spiritual_a water_n which_o must_v be_v do_v without_o addition_n of_o any_o heterogeneous_a thing_n as_o rogerius_n bacon_n under_o the_o title_n of_o mercury_n testify_v and_o raymundus_n in_o the_o theoricâ_fw-la of_o his_o testament_n say_v that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o putrefy_a and_o open_v after_o the_o foresay_a manner_n the_o menstruum_fw-la will_v not_o be_v worth_a a_o fig._n but_o when_o the_o quick_a mercury_n without_o any_o extraneous_a thing_n be_v set_v free_a from_o its_o bond_n and_o dissolve_v into_o the_o primogeneal_a water_n purgari_fw-la then_o and_o but_o then_o we_o be_v capable_a to_o cleanse_v his_o inside_n and_o by_o distillation_n to_o sever_v the_o spirit_n from_o the_o water_n and_o terrene_a terrestriety_n concern_v which_o separation_n the_o philosopher_n have_v write_v in_o a_o occult_a stile_n such_o as_o no_o conceit_a person_n will_v easy_o apprehend_v but_o especial_o they_o describe_v it_o figurative_o in_o the_o distillation_n of_o wine_n distillatione_fw-la for_o in_o the_o distillation_n of_o wine_n appear_v evident_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_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
do_v take_v one_o drop_n of_o the_o red_a bless_a stone_n and_o let_v it_o fall_v into_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n and_o present_o thou_o shall_v see_v a_o mist_n and_o thick_a darkness_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o water_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o creation_n then_o put_v into_o it_o two_o drop_n more_o and_o thou_o shall_v see_v the_o second_o light_n come_v out_o of_o the_o first_o darkness_n or_o rather_o light_v come_v out_o darkness_n and_o then_o by_o degree_n each_o half_a quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n put_v in_o three_o four_o five_o six_o drop_n and_o then_o no_o more_o and_o thou_o shall_v see_v appear_v before_o thy_o face_n on_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o water_n by_o degree_n one_o thing_n after_o another_o all_o thing_n that_o god_n do_v create_v in_o six_o day_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o secret_n not_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o or_o reveal_v which_o to_o reveal_v i_o have_v no_o power_n nor_o strength_n nor_o dare_v set_v down_o be_v on_o the_o knee_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o operation_n let_v thy_o eye_n be_v judge_n for_o thus_o be_v the_o world_n create_v you_o can_v but_o tremble_v when_o you_o shall_v see_v it_o let_v all_o alone_a it_o will_v vanish_v away_o in_o half_a a_o hour_n after_o it_o begin_v by_o this_o you_o shall_v know_v and_o see_v plain_o those_o mystery_n of_o divinity_n which_o now_o you_o be_v ignorant_a of_o as_o a_o child_n although_o you_o think_v yourself_o a_o wise_a man_n and_o that_o you_o do_v understand_v moses_n his_o write_n of_o the_o creation_n but_o i_o say_v no_o more_o you_o will_v now_o see_v what_o body_n adam_n and_o eve_n have_v before_o their_o fall_n and_o what_o after_o their_o fall_n what_o the_o serpent_n be_v what_o the_o tree_n be_v and_o what_o fruit_n they_o do_v eat_v where_o and_o what_o paradise_n be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v you_o will_v know_v what_o body_n the_o just_a shall_v rise_v in_o not_o these_o we_o receive_v from_o adam_n but_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n which_o be_v bear_v and_o beget_v in_o we_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o water_n such_o as_o our_o bless_a lord_n bring_v from_o heaven_n but_o i_o have_v do_v the_o heaven_n you_o shall_v take_v seven_o piece_n of_o metal_n of_o each_o of_o the_o metal_n name_v after_o the_o planet_n and_o on_o every_o one_o of_o they_o you_o shall_v stamp_v the_o sign_n or_o character_n of_o the_o planet_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o planet_n and_o let_v each_o piece_n be_v as_o big_a as_o a_o rose-noble_n only_o let_v mercury_n be_v of_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o ounce_n and_o no_o impression_n on_o it_o then_o put_v they_o as_o they_o stand_v in_o order_n in_o the_o firmament_n into_o a_o crucible_n and_o close_o all_o the_o window_n in_o the_o chamber_n and_o let_v it_o be_v dark_a and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o chamber_n then_o melt_v they_o all_o together_o and_o drop_v in_o seven_o drop_n of_o the_o bless_a stone_n and_o present_o out_o of_o the_o crucible_n will_v come_v a_o fiery_a flame_n and_o spread_v itself_o round_o about_o the_o whole_a chamber_n fear_v it_o not_o it_o will_v not_o hurt_v you_o the_o whole_a chamber_n will_v shine_v bright_a than_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v over_o your_o head_n the_o whole_a firmament_n as_o it_o be_v above_o the_o starry_a sky_n and_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o planet_n will_v go_v all_o round_a in_o their_o course_n just_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o heaven_n let_v it_o cease_v of_o itself_o in_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n it_o be_v go_v to_o its_o proper_a place_n fellowship_n more_o than_o this_o if_o thou_o take_v the_o stone_n each_o full_a moon_n when_o it_o be_v over_o the_o horizon_n where_o thou_o be_v and_o go_v apart_o in_o a_o garden_n and_o take_v some_o of_o the_o clear_a rain-water_n as_o thou_o do_v in_o the_o first_o operation_n and_o drop_v of_o thy_o white_a stone_n as_o thou_o do_v of_o thy_o red_n and_o there_o shall_v present_o even_o to_o the_o orb_n of_o the_o moon_n ascend_v exhalation_n in_o a_o strange_a manner_n and_o if_o thou_o observe_v this_o every_o month_n at_o the_o due_a time_n there_o be_v no_o philosopher_n in_o the_o horizon_n where_o thou_o live_v that_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o stone_n with_o the_o use_n of_o it_o but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n go_v out_o and_o look_v east_n and_o west_n north_n and_o south_n and_o find_v such_o a_o apparition_n as_o he_o soon_o see_v it_o he_o know_v it_o be_v do_v by_o some_o artist_n or_o other_o that_o desire_v acquaintance_n with_o those_o that_o have_v the_o same_o art_n and_o will_v present_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n answer_v thou_o when_o thou_o be_v do_v thus_o shall_v thou_o know_v all_o that_o have_v the_o use_n of_o the_o stone_n to_o meet_v with_o thy_o fellow_n philosopher_n do_v thus_o anoint_v thy_o temple_n with_o the_o white_a stone_n that_o night_n and_o earnesy_o pray_v to_o know_v what_o that_o party_n be_v lay_v under_o thy_o head_n three_o bay-leaves_a new_o gather_v and_o fix_v thy_o imagination_n upon_o thy_o desire_n to_o know_v he_o so_o repose_v thyself_o to_o sleep_v and_o when_o thou_o do_v awake_a thou_o will_v present_o remember_v thy_o vision_n as_o the_o person_n his_o name_n and_o the_o place_n of_o his_o abode_n if_o thou_o go_v not_o to_o he_o he_o will_v come_v to_o thou_o for_o perhaps_o he_o think_v thou_o do_v not_o know_v this_o secret_n the_o reason_n why_o this_o shall_v be_v thus_o be_v this_o the_o universal_a spirit_n of_o the_o air_n which_o be_v enclose_v in_o the_o stone_n cause_v it_o thus_o may_v thou_o accompany_v thyself_o with_o all_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o shall_v appear_v unto_o thou_o rather_o beggar_n than_o rich_a man_n and_o perhaps_o can_v teach_v thou_o more_o than_o i_o can_v or_o have_v do_v by_o this_o for_o indeed_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v natural_a be_v do_v by_o it_o a_o volume_n will_v hardly_o contain_v they_o as_o to_o command_v and_o converse_v with_o spirit_n which_o i_o forbear_v to_o set_v down_o i_o mean_v good_a spirit_n be_v not_o this_o angelical_a wisdom_n to_o know_v these_o thing_n astronomy_n astrology_n and_o all_o the_o art_n of_o the_o mathematics_n be_v easy_o know_v in_o their_o perfection_n this_o be_v do_v that_o i_o have_v tell_v thou_o nor_o be_v scholarship_n require_v it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n you_o must_v know_v before_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o must_v take_v the_o stone_n nine_o day_n as_o i_o prescribe_v first_o and_o it_o will_v make_v thou_o have_v a_o angelical_a understanding_n thou_o will_v despise_v the_o world_n and_o all_o in_o it_o then_o thou_o will_v know_v how_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o understand_v the_o scripture_n i_o have_v write_v that_o which_o be_v never_o write_v before_o think_v whether_o they_o be_v not_o secret_n and_o arcana_n and_o whether_o thou_o ought_v to_o show_v this_o or_o not_o to_o any_o man_n but_o to_o he_o that_o have_v the_o stone_n i_o have_v now_o do_v charge_v thou_o to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o this_o write_n command_v thou_o to_o serve_v god_n for_o without_o thou_o do_v that_o thou_o will_v never_o have_v good_a of_o this_o art_n serve_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o so_o to_o god_n i_o leave_v thou_o to_o direct_v thou_o in_o his_o way_n glory_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a amen_n nicolas_n flammell_n summary_n of_o philosophy_n nicolas_n flammell_n summary_n of_o philosophy_n he_o that_o desire_v to_o know_v how_o metal_n be_v transmute_v he_o must_v know_v from_o what_o matter_n they_o be_v and_o how_o they_o be_v form_v in_o their_o mineral_n and_o lest_o herein_o we_o err_v we_o must_v see_v and_o observe_v the_o transmutation_n as_o in_o the_o vein_n of_o the_o earth_n mineral_n out_o of_o the_o earth_n may_v be_v change_v if_o they_o be_v before_o spiritualise_v that_o they_o may_v come_v into_o their_o sulphur_n and_o argent_fw-fr vive_n nature_n these_o be_v the_o two_o sperm_n the_o one_o masculine_a the_o other_o feminine_a complexion_n and_o these_o be_v compose_v of_o the_o element_n the_o male_a sulphur_n be_v nothing_o but_o fire_n and_o air_n and_o true_a sulphur_n be_v as_o a_o fire_n but_o not_o the_o vulgar_a which_o be_v of_o no_o metallick_n substance_n the_o feminine_a sperm_n call_v argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr be_v nothing_o but_o earth_n and_o water_n these_o two_o sperm_n old_a wise_a man_n call_v two_o dragon_n or_o serpent_n the_o one_o be_v wing_v the_o other_o not_o sulphur_n not_o fly_v the_o fire_n be_v without_o wing_n the_o wing_a serpent_n be_v argent_fw-fr vive_fw-fr bear_v up_o by_o the_o wind_n therefore_o in_o her_o certain_a hour_n she_o fly_v from_o the_o fire_n
three_o element_n and_o these_o last_o colour_n abide_v hidden_o and_o intrinsical_o and_o appear_v under_o the_o show_n of_o a_o white_a spirit_n in_o liquid_a mercury_n until_o it_o be_v recondense_v in_o the_o powder_n which_o be_v in_o the_o body_n because_o the_o soul_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o spirit_n as_o in_o the_o condensation_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o soul_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o powder_n or_o body_n for_o there_o be_v a_o corruption_n in_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v alter_v but_o no_o dissipation_n of_o part_n unless_o some_o superfluous_a part_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o unprofitable_a for_o generation_n whereupon_o the_o artificer_n purify_v his_o work_n that_o digestion_n may_v succeed_v better_o this_o be_v manifest_a by_o example_n in_o grain_n for_o of_o two_o grain_n of_o wheat_n if_o the_o one_o be_v cast_v into_o good_a ground_n there_o it_o putrify_v die_v and_o lose_v its_o external_a form_n but_o nothing_o thereof_o be_v dissipate_v yea_o in_o its_o time_n it_o increase_v into_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o fruit_n and_o there_o be_v indeed_o make_v a_o corruption_n only_o of_o the_o form_n and_o not_o any_o dissipation_n of_o the_o matter_n but_o if_o the_o other_o grain_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o fire_n than_o both_o matter_n and_o form_n be_v corrupt_v and_o the_o whole_a be_v dissipate_v and_o that_o corruption_n be_v unprofitable_a for_o generation_n wherefore_o water_n dissolve_v not_o body_n but_o those_o only_o of_o its_o own_o kind_n and_o by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v condense_v nor_o can_v body_n be_v at_o all_o nourish_v to_o generation_n but_o by_o their_o like_a which_o can_v preserve_v the_o species_n destroy_v by_o that_o transmute_v body_n through_o the_o artifice_n of_o the_o work_n though_o vegetable_n be_v nourish_v by_o thing_n of_o different_a kind_n yet_o before_o they_o nourish_v they_o they_o be_v assimilate_v the_o dissolution_n of_o they_o be_v first_o make_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o suck_v and_o draw_v they_o to_o they_o it_o must_v be_v note_v therefore_o that_o the_o solution_n of_o metal_n may_v be_v make_v by_o different_a way_n one_o which_o fool_n know_v as_o be_v abovesaid_a with_o foreign_a thing_n which_o abide_v not_o with_o the_o dissolve_a metal_n which_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v call_v a_o corrosive_a destruction_n and_o defilement_n of_o the_o compound_v the_o second_o solution_n be_v make_v by_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o fire_n which_o be_v no_o true_a solution_n but_o a_o melt_a rather_o of_o the_o colligate_v elementary_a part_n for_o the_o outward_a heat_n of_o the_o fire_n in_o dissolve_v the_o compound_v find_v out_o its_o intrinsical_a natural_a or_o native_a fire_n within_o which_o internal_a and_o proportional_a fire_n dwell_v in_o the_o air_n therefore_o it_o dissolve_v the_o air_n itself_o but_o that_o dissolve_a air_n reside_v and_o dwell_v in_o the_o water_n and_o the_o water_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o water_n itself_o dissolve_v the_o earth_n so_o that_o it_o melt_v both_o the_o active_a and_o passive_a but_o this_o melt_a be_v no_o true_a solution_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o dissipation_n because_o the_o element_n there_o be_v homogeneous_a to_o one_o another_o and_o proportionable_o fix_v by_o digestion_n be_v mix_v and_o one_o of_o they_o educe_v out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o another_o general_o and_o therefore_o this_o fall_v out_o even_o in_o pure_a body_n in_o which_o the_o elemental_a nature_n be_v fix_v wherefore_o in_o they_o the_o flame_n of_o fire_n cause_v melt_v and_o dissolve_v that_o whole_a body_n to_o fluidity_n and_o not_o to_o a_o separation_n because_o fire_n can_v flow_v unless_o the_o air_n consubstantial_a to_o it_o flow_v neither_o do_v the_o aâ—_n flow_v unless_o the_o water_n be_v dissolve_v nor_o do_v the_o water_n flow_v unless_o the_o earth_n flow_v and_o contrariwise_o as_o the_o earth_n be_v dissolve_v by_o the_o water_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n the_o water_n retain_v the_o air_n and_o congeal_v it_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n ascend_v upward_o the_o air_n retain_v the_o fire_n in_o congelation_n because_o the_o more_o fix_v and_o fix_v element_n cause_n fixation_n by_o act_v together_o on_o one_o another_o as_o earth_n and_o water_n and_o in_o a_o contrary_a manner_n fire_n and_o air_n act_n together_o each_o on_o other_o unto_o solution_n but_o this_o solution_n be_v call_v a_o melt_a of_o the_o compound_v and_o not_o proper_o a_o solution_n of_o it_o because_o the_o part_n separable_a from_o one_o another_o in_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o compound_v be_v not_o dissolve_v as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o three_o and_o true_o philosophic_a solution_n when_o the_o compound_v be_v dissolve_v in_o the_o manner_n aforesaid_a and_o yet_o the_o part_n abide_v unseparate_v though_o separable_a so_o that_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o most_o digest_v element_n may_v be_v extract_v from_o thing_n to_o be_v dissolve_v by_o the_o dissolver_n that_o be_v quicksilver_n and_o the_o grosser_n part_n in_o such_o a_o dissolution_n acquire_v some_o latitude_n of_o subtlety_n because_o the_o body_n be_v turn_v into_o spirit_n and_o contrariwise_o the_o spirit_n into_o body_n fix_v thing_n be_v turn_v into_o volatiles_fw-la and_o volatiles_fw-la to_o fix_a for_o this_o solution_n be_v possible_a and_o natural_a that_o be_v by_o art_n of_o nature_n subserve_v thereto_o and_o this_o be_v sole_a and_o necessary_a solution_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o philosopher_n which_o can_v be_v do_v by_o no_o other_o thing_n than_o quicksilver_n only_o with_o a_o prudent_a proportion_n so_o as_o a_o good_a artificer_n know_v from_o within_o the_o nature_n and_o proportion_n aught_o to_o make_v the_o proportion_n from_o his_o first_o entrance_n upon_o the_o work_n for_o these_o two_o sir_n be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o work_n and_o nothing_o else_o enter_v it_o nor_o generate_v and_o multiply_v as_o we_o have_v say_v beside_o you_o say_v that_o gold_n as_o most_o think_v be_v nothing_o else_o than_o quicksilver_n coagulate_v natural_o by_o the_o force_n of_o sulphur_n yet_o so_o that_o nothing_o oâ—_n the_o sulphur_n which_o generate_v the_o gold_n do_v remain_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o gold_n as_o in_o a_o humane_a embryo_n when_o it_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o womb_n there_o remain_v nothing_o of_o the_o father_n seed_n according_a to_o aristotle_n opinion_n but_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o man_n do_v only_o coagulate_v the_o menstrual_a blood_n of_o the_o woman_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n you_o say_v that_o after_o quicksilver_n be_v so_o coagulate_v the_o form_n of_o gold_n be_v perfect_v in_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o sun_n but_o by_o your_o good_a leave_n and_o with_o respect_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o we_o must_v not_o think_v so_o for_o be_v we_o be_v philosophical_o persuade_v that_o gold_n be_v nothing_o but_o mercury_n anatize_v that_o be_v equal_o digest_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o a_o mineral_n earth_n and_o the_o philosopher_n have_v signify_v that_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o the_o contact_n of_o sulphur_n coagulate_v the_o mercury_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o operation_n that_o be_v from_o mercury_n be_v digest_v and_o thicken_v by_o a_o proportionate_a heat_n wherefore_o we_o must_v know_v that_o gold_n be_v sulphur_n and_o mercury_n together_o that_o be_v the_o coagulant_fw-la and_o the_o coagulate_v in_o one_o and_o nothing_o add_v from_o without_o thereto_o but_o only_o a_o pure_a digestion_n or_o maturation_n which_o multiply_v quality_n and_o excite_v one_o element_n from_o another_o out_o of_o their_o pure_a possibility_n into_o act_n no_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o be_v superad_v but_o this_o digestion_n or_o matutarion_n be_v produce_v active_o from_o the_o superior_a element_n that_o be_v the_o fire_n and_o air_n which_o be_v not_o actual_o but_o potential_o in_o mercury_n which_o yet_o be_v excite_v and_o assist_v by_o a_o external_a heat_n and_o by_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a digest_v heat_n the_o passive_a element_n in_o mercury_n be_v by_o they_o subtilise_v be_v not_o only_o potential_o existent_a but_o actual_o towards_o water_n itself_o and_o the_o water_n be_v subtilise_v towards_o air_n and_o air_n follow_v to_o fire_n and_o in_o this_o proportionable_a action_n of_o nature_n and_o digestion_n of_o mercury_n the_o male_a and_o female_a abide_v together_o in_o close_a nature_n the_o female_a true_o as_o it_o be_v earth_n and_o water_n the_o male_a as_o air_n and_o fire_n which_o earth_n and_o water_n the_o philosopher_n do_v mingle_v in_o gold_n but_o call_v the_o air_n and_o fire_n a_o sulphur_n as_o it_o be_v therein_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o other_o foreign_a addition_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o therefore_o in_o art_n above_o ground_n neither_o be_v there_o find_v and_o foreign_a addition_n to_o digest_v or_o
condense_a mercury_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o gold_n or_o other_o species_n of_o metal_n therefore_o the_o philosopher_n have_v say_v that_o sulphur_n and_o mercury_n make_v sol_fw-mi that_o be_v its_o corporeity_n and_o permanency_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o external_a artificial_a heat_n stir_v up_o and_o assist_v the_o proportional_a intrinsic_a heat_n to_o digest_v and_o ripen_v the_o other_o two_o less_o digest_v and_o immature_n element_n in_o mercury_n namely_o its_o water_n and_o earth_n be_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o compound_v for_o the_o external_a heat_n be_v not_o permanent_a within_o with_o the_o quantity_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n nor_o add_v any_o thing_n thereto_o but_o the_o intrinsic_a proportionate_a natural_a and_o simple_a heat_n be_v permanent_a with_o the_o quantity_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o mercury_n digest_v by_o it_o because_o that_o heat_n be_v a_o intrinsic_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o mercury_n itself_o to_o wit_n the_o two_o more_o active_a element_n in_o it_o namely_o air_n and_o fire_n therefore_o fool_n do_v ill_a and_o absurd_o understand_v that_o say_n of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o sulphur_n and_o mercury_n beget_v sol_n because_o as_o be_v sufficient_o know_v as_o neither_o air_n nor_o fire_n in_o the_o first_o mercurial_a composition_n nor_o afterward_o in_o the_o natural_a metallick_n digestion_n depart_v nor_o be_v sever_v from_o water_n and_o earth_n so_o neither_o do_v sulphur_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o air_n and_o fire_n depart_v nor_o be_v separate_v from_o mercury_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o water_n and_o earth_n and_o he_o be_v not_o a_o natural_a philosopher_n who_o imagine_v or_o assert_v the_o contrary_a for_o the_o digestion_n of_o gold_n happen_v and_o be_v make_v of_o the_o first_o mercurial_a proportion_n without_o any_o addition_n make_v thereto_o by_o nature_n under_o or_o art_n above_o ground_n as_o be_v say_v neither_o be_v that_o repugnant_a to_o what_o we_o have_v say_v that_o a_o pure_a sol_fw-la and_o clean_a mercury_n must_v in_o this_o art_n be_v conjoin_v because_o this_o be_v not_o do_v to_o that_o intent_n to_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v one_o sulphur_n in_o sol_n and_o another_o in_o mercury_n or_o that_o there_o be_v one_o mercury_n in_o sol_n and_o another_o in_o mercury_n but_o because_o the_o digestion_n be_v more_o mature_a and_o perfect_a in_o sol_n than_o mercury_n and_o also_o in_o the_o sun_n the_o sulphur_n be_v more_o mature_a and_o digest_v and_o therefore_o more_o active_a than_o in_o mercury_n whence_o the_o philosopher_n have_v affirm_v sol_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o quicksilver_n maturedâ—_n for_o in_o mercury_n there_o be_v only_o two_o actual_a element_n to_o wit_n water_n and_o earth_n which_o be_v passive_a but_o the_o active_a element_n air_n and_o fire_n be_v only_o potential_o therein_o but_o as_o it_o be_v know_v when_o those_o air_n and_o fire_n in_o a_o pure_a mercury_n be_v deduce_v from_o possibility_n into_o act_n that_o be_v to_o a_o due_a digestion_n and_o proportionable_a concoction_n then_o â—t_a become_v gold_n wherefore_o in_o gold_n there_o be_v four_o element_n conjoin_v in_o equal_a and_o anatical_a proportion_n in_o which_o therefore_o there_o be_v actual_o a_o more_o ripe_a and_o active_a sulphur_n that_o be_v air_n and_o fire_n than_o in_o mercury_n wherefore_o gold_n be_v by_o art_n dissolve_v with_o mercury_n that_o the_o unripe_a may_v be_v holpen_v by_o the_o ripe_a and_o so_o art_n decoct_v and_o nature_n perfect_v the_o composition_n be_v ripen_v by_o the_o favour_n of_o christ._n whence_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v derive_v why_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o philosophic_a art_n more_o perfect_a noble_a and_o by_o many_o degree_n more_o elevate_v gold_n be_v make_v soon_o an_o in_o less_o time_n than_o by_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n because_o nature_n do_v act_n and_o work_v this_o by_o boil_a and_o digest_v mercury_n alone_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n without_o any_o assistant_n which_o can_v be_v bring_v on_o to_o the_o due_a proportion_n of_o gold_n or_o any_o other_o metal_n in_o a_o little_a time_n but_o our_o art_n help_v the_o work_n of_o nature_n by_o mingle_v with_o mercury_n ripe_a gold_n in_o which_o be_v a_o sulphur_n excellent_o digest_v and_o therefore_o mature_v and_o quick_o digest_v mercury_n itself_o to_o the_o anatick_a proportion_n of_o gold_n by_o subtilize_v its_o element_n whereupon_o there_o follow_v by_o art_n a_o wonderful_a abbreviation_n of_o this_o natural_a work_n wherefore_o my_o doctor_n i_o return_v to_o the_o former_a point_n we_o must_v not_o imagine_v according_a to_o their_o mistake_n who_o say_v that_o the_o male_a agent_n himself_o approach_v the_o female_a in_o the_o coagulation_n and_o depart_v afterward_o because_o as_o be_v know_v in_o every_o generation_n the_o conception_n be_v active_a and_o passive_a both_o the_o active_a and_o passive_a that_o be_v all_o the_o four_o element_n must_v always_o abide_v together_o otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v no_o mixture_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o generate_a a_o offspring_n will_v be_v extinguish_v for_o in_o every_o man_n the_o masculine_a seed_n to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n be_v call_v in_o he_o the_o agent_n when_o it_o be_v first_o mingle_v with_o the_o feminine_a and_o whether_o it_o be_v shed_v out_o or_o consume_v in_o he_o nature_n for_o its_o sake_n do_v vegetate_v and_o be_v wonderful_o increase_v and_o nourish_v and_o make_v to_o itself_o in_o the_o same_o man_n loin_n the_o like_a specific_a seed_n the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o feminine_a seed_n in_o the_o woman_n wherefore_o both_o these_o seed_n abide_v always_o and_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v for_o original_a agent_n and_o first_o patient_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o various_a or_o different_a nativity_n or_o generation_n of_o mixt_n and_o vegetable_n for_o they_o be_v call_v simple_a mixt_n which_o grow_v under_o ground_n out_o of_o our_o sight_n or_o about_o the_o surface_n thereof_o by_o the_o commixture_n of_o the_o element_n alone_o compound_v one_o with_o another_o or_o from_o their_o first_o solution_n because_o they_o grow_v not_o as_o vegetable_n but_o how_o much_o soever_o of_o matter_n be_v compact_v and_o mix_v in_o they_o so_o much_o of_o their_o first_o weight_n be_v reserve_v in_o the_o same_o compound_n for_o example_n sake_n how_o much_o soever_o at_o first_o a_o mass_n of_o some_o mercurial_a substance_n do_v weigh_v in_o its_o mineral_n disposition_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o much_o weight_n of_o gold_n will_v abide_v digest_v therefrom_o and_o the_o scoriae_fw-la and_o faeces_fw-la reject_v from_o it_o will_v rather_o be_v diminish_v than_o multiply_v because_o they_o receive_v no_o nourishment_n but_o there_o be_v manifold_a degree_n of_o this_o first_o and_o simple_a natural_a mixture_n the_o first_o be_v the_o naked_a concretion_n and_o composition_n of_o the_o four_o element_n and_o that_o immediate_a in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o yet_o any_o change_n make_v or_o exaltation_n of_o one_o element_n into_o another_o but_o a_o simple_a union_n of_o a_o symbolise_n composition_n of_o they_o persevere_v and_o abide_v of_o which_o sort_n stone_n be_v the_o second_o degree_n follow_v upon_o the_o first_o because_o from_o the_o aforesaid_a stone_n mineral_n about_o which_o we_o discourse_v be_v generate_v and_o the_o more_o noble_a subterraneous_a species_n emerge_n and_o arise_v from_o hence_o because_o in_o these_o begin_v the_o action_n of_o element_n and_o their_o mutual_a transmutation_n though_o their_o action_n be_v not_o in_o so_o great_a vivacity_n and_o virtue_n as_o in_o vegetable_n and_o sensitive_n because_o they_o have_v neither_o growth_n nor_o sense_n as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o the_o three_o degree_n be_v that_o which_o comprehend_v precious_a stone_n and_o gem_n because_o in_o they_o be_v find_v a_o perfect_a and_o complete_a action_n from_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o element_n compact_v and_o act_v mutual_o as_o i_o have_v declare_v more_o large_o in_o my_o philosophy_n where_o i_o have_v perspicuous_o manifest_v this_o three_o degree_n together_o with_o the_o second_o to_o be_v a_o mean_a betwixt_o the_o first_o and_o second_o composition_n of_o natural_a thing_n then_o another_o nativity_n or_o generation_n be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o account_v to_o be_v of_o simple_a mixt_n but_o compound_v vegetable_n which_o be_v true_o divisible_a into_o four_o kind_n or_o class_n as_o i_o have_v discourse_v more_o large_o in_o my_o other_o book_n which_o i_o send_v you_o for_o there_o be_v vegetable_n but_o sensitive_n more_o especial_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n beget_v their_o like_a by_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o male_a and_o female_a for_o the_o most_o part_n concur_v and_o commix_v by_o copulation_n which_o work_n of_o nature_n the_o philosophic_a art_n imitate_v in_o the_o generation_n of_o
gold_n no_o man_n can_v artificial_o perfect_v any_o humane_a seed_n but_o we_o can_v by_o art_n dispose_v a_o man_n to_o a_o productive_a generation_n of_o his_o like_a for_o the_o vital_a seed_n be_v only_o digest_v in_o a_o vegetable_a manner_n by_o nature_n in_o the_o loin_n of_o both_o parent_n but_o we_o can_v by_o coition_n mix_v the_o parent_n seed_n in_o natural_a vessel_n which_o copulation_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o art_n dispose_v and_o mingle_v those_o natural_a seed_n to_o the_o beget_n of_o man._n for_o example_n sake_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o man_n as_o more_o ripe_a perfect_a and_o active_a be_v by_o this_o artifice_n join_v with_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n more_o immature_n and_o in_o a_o sort_n passive_a which_o seed_n of_o the_o man_n because_o it_o actual_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o work_a element_n to_o wit_n the_o air_n and_o fire_n be_v therefore_o more_o ripe_a and_o active_a for_o digestion_n but_o the_o female_a seed_n do_v more_o actual_o contain_v the_o undigested_a and_o passive_a element_n and_o which_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v digest_v as_o the_o earth_n and_o water_n which_o be_v shed_v out_o and_o mingle_v together_o in_o the_o natural_a vessel_n of_o the_o female_a no_o foreign_a thing_n be_v add_v thereto_o but_o the_o external_a heat_n of_o the_o woman_n exciting_a and_o help_a the_o proportionable_a inward_a heat_n of_o the_o man_n seed_n the_o active_a element_n of_o the_o man_n seed_n digest_v and_o ripen_v the_o feminine_a seed_n and_o thence_o a_o man_n be_v generate_v complete_a and_o perfect_a according_a to_o his_o nature_n so_o it_o be_v in_o our_o philosophic_a art_n which_o be_v like_o this_o procreation_n of_o man_n for_o aâ—_n in_o mercury_n of_o which_o gold_n be_v by_o nature_n generate_v in_o mineral_n vessel_n a_o natural_a conjunction_n be_v make_v of_o both_o the_o seed_n male_a and_o female_a so_o by_o our_o artifice_n a_o artificial_a and_o like_a conjunction_n be_v make_v of_o agent_n and_o patient_n for_o the_o active_a element_n which_o obtain_v the_o name_n of_o the_o masculine_a seed_n be_v natural_o conjoin_v with_o the_o passive_a element_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o feminine_a seed_n but_o herein_o the_o due_a natural_a proportion_n be_v always_o to_o be_v observe_v now_o this_o first_o mercurial_a digestion_n be_v call_v conjunction_n in_o which_o the_o act_n rise_v out_o of_o the_o possibility_n that_o be_v the_o masculine_a from_o the_o feminine_a namely_o the_o air_n and_o fire_n from_o the_o earth_n and_o water_n by_o mean_n of_o a_o pure_a digestion_n and_o subtilization_n of_o they_o but_o the_o philosopher_n and_o ingenious_a artificer_n imitate_v nature_n beside_o this_o natural_a digestion_n of_o the_o seed_n in_o mercury_n have_v by_o a_o most_o subtle_a invention_n make_v another_o conjunction_n and_o digestion_n whence_o they_o have_v not_o generate_v simple_a gold_n only_o but_o some_o other_o far_o more_o noble_a and_o perfect_a thing_n for_o they_o command_v gold_n in_o which_o the_o element_n be_v more_o active_a as_o the_o male_a seed_n to_o be_v join_v with_o mercury_n in_o which_o the_o passive_a element_n be_v existent_a that_o it_o may_v be_v due_o dissolve_v exclude_v all_o foreign_a thing_n save_v that_o they_o use_v a_o outward_a heat_n which_o by_o help_v do_v excite_v the_o internal_a natural_a heat_n of_o gold_n to_o digest_v active_o and_o ripen_v mercury_n and_o so_o as_o a_o man_n be_v generate_v by_o nature_n so_o gold_n by_o art_n although_o notwithstanding_o their_o sperm_n and_o seed_n can_v be_v generate_v by_o art_n because_o art_n know_v not_o proportion_n of_o the_o mixture_n necessary_a to_o procreate_v seed_n and_o in_o man_n it_o know_v neither_o composition_n nor_o mixtion_n or_o first_o proportion_n nor_o the_o cause_n of_o subterraneous_a thing_n which_o flow_v out_o from_o the_o earth_n where_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o natural_a place_n of_o their_o generation_n but_o those_o seed_n produce_v by_o nature_n be_v artificial_o conjoin_v that_o out_o of_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o composition_n that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v generate_v may_v be_v produce_v in_o which_o both_o the_o seed_n abide_v together_o well_o mingle_v although_o aristotle_n as_o you_o write_v seem_v to_o think_v otherwise_o wherefore_o the_o masculine_a seed_n of_o mercury_n or_o our_o sulphur_n go_v not_o away_o after_o coagulation_n as_o some_o false_o affirm_v and_o that_o this_o fall_v out_o in_o mercury_n by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o sun_n especial_o and_o that_o by_o its_o heat_n chief_o the_o form_n of_o gold_n be_v perfect_v as_o some_o think_v in_o subterraneous_a place_n yea_o rather_o by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o its_o globe_n or_o of_o its_o â—â—b_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a heaven_n universal_o because_o the_o solar_a ray_n do_v only_o heat_v the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o not_o inward_o those_o its_o deep_a place_n in_o which_o the_o generation_n of_o several_a kind_n of_o metal_n be_v bring_v about_o and_o neither_o do_v the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n bring_v down_o by_o the_o ray_n reach_v unto_o those_o lowermost_a part_n although_o the_o subterraneous_a motion_n of_o the_o element_n proceed_v first_o from_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o not_o from_o its_o ray_n of_o light_n nor_o from_o their_o heat_n nor_o other_o influence_n save_o motion_n but_o how_o this_o come_v about_o and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o motion_n of_o subterraneous_a thing_n i_o believe_v your_o reverence_n be_v not_o ignorant_a and_o therefore_o i_o forbear_v it_o at_o present_a therefore_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o gold_n or_o of_o its_o form_n though_o there_o be_v a_o resemblance_n in_o name_n betwixt_o they_o because_o as_o the_o sun_n be_v hot_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o planet_n so_o gold_n be_v hot_a than_o any_o of_o the_o metal_n with_o the_o like_a difference_n of_o propriety_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o planet_n also_o have_v obtain_v like_o name_n whence_o this_o error_n of_o fool_n do_v arise_v for_o they_o believe_v that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o seven_o planet_n general_o and_o special_o by_o its_o influence_n do_v beget_v one_o special_a kind_n of_o metal_n whereunto_o by_o a_o certain_a propriety_n it_o agree_v and_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n resemble_v but_o it_o happen_v otherwise_o in_o subterraneous_a thing_n than_o in_o vegetable_n in_o which_o heaven_n or_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o generation_n or_o augmentation_n not_o only_a by_o its_o motion_n but_o also_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o heat_n of_o its_o ray_n for_o the_o sun_n heat_v the_o vegetable_n themselves_o and_o the_o superficies_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o element_n be_v very_o strong_o reflect_v by_o its_o ray_n to_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n because_o that_o its_o ray_n can_v proceed_v so_o far_o to_o instance_n for_o that_o from_o the_o twelve_o heaven_n which_o obtain_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o height_n proceed_v to_o descend_v low_a there_o follow_v always_o thick_a or_o less_o subtle_a orb_n till_o you_o come_v to_o the_o concave_n of_o the_o orb_n of_o the_o moon_n where_o alterable_a thing_n have_v their_o place_n or_o the_o mix_a element_n begin_v and_o be_v terminate_v under_o the_o hemisphere_n of_o thing_n generable_a and_o corruptible_a and_o therefore_o the_o more_o subtle_a and_o simple_a fire_n be_v there_o find_v though_o not_o altogether_o pure_a because_o a_o simple_a pure_a fire_n can_v be_v find_v apart_o among_o the_o alterable_a sort_n of_o thing_n nor_o any_o one_o of_o the_o other_o element_n albeit_o in_o every_o compound_v thing_n simple_a fire_n may_v be_v find_v mix_v with_o other_o simple_a element_n else_o there_o will_v not_o be_v many_o element_n but_o one_o only_a therefore_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n of_o the_o sun_n especial_o pass_v through_o the_o foresay_a region_n unrefract_v until_o they_o descend_v far_o downward_o be_v reflect_v in_o the_o fire_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o thickness_n afterward_o descend_v far_o through_o the_o sphere_n of_o the_o fire_n they_o by_o move_v it_o reflect_v the_o fire_n itself_o into_o the_o air_n which_o be_v thick_a and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o ray_n proceed_v perpendicular_o to_o low_a thing_n through_o the_o sphere_n of_o air_n into_o the_o water_n thick_a than_o the_o air_n from_o which_o they_o be_v reflect_v back_o into_o the_o air._n and_o so_o after_o its_o manner_n they_o be_v reflect_v back_o by_o the_o water_n move_v by_o they_o which_o also_o be_v much_o better_o perceive_v in_o the_o earth_n with_o its_o thickness_n above_o other_o element_n by_o this_o decoction_n and_o reflection_n the_o element_n be_v move_v invisible_o though_o not_o unperceivable_o because_o we_o perceive_v heat_n by_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v always_o reflect_v from_o the_o
superior_a and_o subtles_o element_n into_o the_o inferior_a and_o thick_a unto_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o star_n descend_v perpendicular_o from_o aloft_o to_o the_o low_a thing_n and_o thing_n thus_o reflect_v be_v move_v and_o by_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o sun_n reflect_v accidental_a heat_n be_v produce_v in_o the_o medium_n though_o sometime_o by_o the_o ray_n of_o other_o star_n other_o quality_n be_v produce_v here_o below_o as_o dryness_n and_o coldness_n as_o be_v manifest_a in_o astronomy_n not_o that_o the_o ray_n be_v in_o themselves_o hot_a but_o that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o heat_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o we_o have_v say_v now_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a be_v manifest_o know_v from_o astronomy_n and_o perspective_n whence_o it_o be_v understand_v how_o generation_n happen_v in_o vegetative_n and_o sensitive_n thus_o much_o therefore_o may_v suffice_v but_o vain_a astrologer_n have_v other_o conceit_n and_o think_v that_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n be_v from_o the_o virtue_n of_o its_o activity_n and_o not_o from_o the_o virtue_n of_o its_o motion_n which_o be_v false_a because_o the_o ray_n of_o heaven_n produce_v or_o effect_v nothing_o in_o the_o superior_a orbs._n for_o such_o ray_n can_v be_v reflect_v on_o the_o aforesaid_a orb_n nor_o be_v mix_v with_o they_o as_o they_o be_v reflect_v in_o the_o element_n and_o mingle_v with_o they_o not_o by_o composition_n but_o by_o a_o move_a reflection_n and_o mixture_n of_o the_o same_o element_n as_o have_v be_v say_v but_o in_o the_o supercelestials_n there_o be_v no_o capacity_n to_o receive_v new_a quality_n or_o foreign_a impression_n although_o the_o ray_n themselves_o produce_v wonderful_a quality_n in_o the_o element_n move_v by_o their_o reflection_n wherefore_o my_o doctor_n the_o sun_n in_o particular_a be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o generation_n of_o gold_n nor_o yet_o be_v it_o by_o mean_n of_o its_o heat_n the_o cause_n of_o vegetable_n either_o above_o the_o earth_n or_o of_o miâ—ts_n about_o its_o superficies_n which_o namely_o we_o know_v to_o be_v heat_v by_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o sun_n as_o we_o have_v say_v which_o be_v also_o agreeable_a to_o astronomy_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n need_v not_o any_o long_a disputation_n wherefore_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o what_o remain_v for_o if_o you_o apply_v your_o mind_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v say_v you_o will_v understand_v and_o you_o will_v find_v it_o true_a that_o by_o the_o activity_n of_o sulphur_n digest_v and_o coagulate_v mercury_n its_o form_n from_o gold_n be_v special_o perfect_v but_o yet_o you_o must_v not_o think_v that_o from_o any_o other_o metal_n or_o any_o star_n this_o may_v be_v do_v as_o you_o have_v write_v in_o your_o epistle_n that_o which_o we_o have_v say_v be_v also_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o other_o metal_n in_o their_o kind_n and_o manner_n but_o with_o difference_n because_o in_o other_o metal_n there_o be_v a_o double_a sulphur_n one_o which_o be_v superfluous_a and_o may_v be_v separate_v the_o form_n of_o the_o metal_n still_o remain_v another_o sulphur_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o metal_n but_o unite_v to_o its_o quicksilver_n and_o not_o separable_a so_o that_o the_o form_n of_o the_o metal_n continue_v yet_o that_o imperfect_a and_o sulphurâ—ous_a metal_n may_v be_v perfect_v by_o a_o medicine_n corrupt_v the_o form_n of_o that_o metal_n and_o introduce_v another_o but_o what_o we_o be_v to_o think_v of_o the_o duplicity_n of_o this_o sulphur_n which_o you_o assert_v in_o this_o philosophic_a art_n i_o pray_v you_o my_o renown_a doctor_n without_o violate_v the_o law_n of_o our_o friendship_n or_o your_o authority_n that_o you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v this_o duplicity_n of_o sulphur_n be_v not_o so_o distinct_a in_o mercury_n coagulate_v into_o diverâ—_n metal_n that_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v intrinsical_o and_o essential_o appertain_v to_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o metal_n and_o be_v esteem_v a_o essential_a part_n thereof_o and_o the_o other_o be_v ascribe_v to_o corruption_n but_o there_o be_v in_o every_o metallick_n species_n equal_o as_o in_o gold_n and_o silver_n a_o simple_a and_o single_a sulphur_n which_o be_v term_v quicksilver_n from_o the_o first_o mercurial_a composition_n as_o have_v be_v declare_v in_o the_o generation_n of_o gold_n because_o sulphur_n and_o quick_a silver_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o four_o element_n in_o mercury_n itself_o so_o or_o so_o proportional_o dispose_v as_o this_o or_o that_o metallick_n species_n require_v but_o that_o which_o be_v repute_v a_o second_o sulphur_n and_o to_o be_v reject_v be_v a_o certain_a scoria_fw-la and_o feculent_a part_n in_o the_o metal_n contract_v in_o the_o coagulation_n of_o the_o mercury_n or_o a_o certain_a superfluity_n which_o be_v unclean_a and_o impure_a will_v not_o in_o the_o digestion_n of_o the_o mercury_n endure_v a_o congelation_n to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o metal_n because_o it_o be_v not_o of_o a_o homogeneal_a and_o proportionable_a nature_n of_o mercury_n apt_a to_o be_v congeal_v and_o digest_v into_o a_o metal_n but_o some_o philosopher_n have_v call_v this_o scoria_fw-la a_o combustible_a sulphur_n because_o it_o can_v subsist_v but_o vanish_v in_o the_o test_v of_o metal_n or_o be_v separate_v from_o they_o into_o faeces_fw-la and_o here_o i_o may_v bring_v this_o example_n the_o blood_n in_o sensitive_n and_o sap_n in_o vegetable_n in_o their_o coagulation_n have_v several_a and_o different_a office_n because_o some_o part_n of_o the_o blood_n have_v a_o conformity_n unto_o flesh_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v coagulate_v and_o turn_v into_o flesh_n and_o retain_v the_o uniform_a nature_n of_o flesh_n and_o obtain_v the_o name_n of_o flesh._n but_o some_o part_n thereof_o reside_v in_o the_o pore_n be_v of_o a_o superfluous_a humour_n which_o can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v convert_v into_o solid_a flesh_n and_o therefore_o be_v eject_v by_o sweat_n and_o medicine_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o true_a flesh._n but_o in_o the_o sanguine_a complexion_n there_o be_v many_o few_o superfluity_n than_o in_o other_o so_o we_o may_v conclude_v by_o way_n of_o resemblance_n that_o it_o be_v in_o gold_n and_o other_o kind_n of_o metal_n that_o the_o pure_a or_o impure_a mercury_n in_o its_o first_o coagulation_n contain_v or_o contract_v more_o or_o less_o superfluity_n or_o natural_a impurity_n wherefore_o the_o difference_n be_v make_v in_o the_o coagulation_n of_o mercury_n which_o specify_v and_o cause_v divers_a metal_n and_o whatever_o mercury_n there_o be_v in_o any_o sort_n of_o metal_n be_v term_v incombustible_a and_o inseparable_o permanent_a though_o in_o fix_a body_n it_o be_v make_v volatile_a by_o art_n yet_o by_o nature_n it_o remain_v inseparable_a in_o a_o elemental_a proportion_n but_o what_o dross_n soever_o be_v contract_v in_o the_o mercury_n and_o mix_v with_o it_o from_o the_o beginning_n that_o be_v in_o the_o congelation_n of_o mercury_n in_o its_o first_o composition_n by_o heat_n digest_v it_o to_o a_o metallick_n kind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v by_o the_o test_n take_v away_o from_o the_o mercury_n that_o be_v the_o homogeneous_a mercurial_a nature_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o metallick_n kind_n as_o rejectaneous_a and_o heterogeneal_a this_o be_v not_o proper_o call_v a_o sulphur_n but_o a_o dross_n and_o certain_a superfluity_n because_o sulphur_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o pure_a act_n of_o air_n and_o fire_n warm_v and_o digest_v or_o decoct_v the_o earth_n and_o water_n in_o mercury_n proportionable_a and_o homogeneous_a unto_o it_o but_o the_o dross_n be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o first_o composition_n be_v not_o pertinent_a unto_o the_o nature_n of_o mercury_n nor_o have_v a_o proportion_n to_o any_o metallick_n kind_n in_o the_o composition_n and_o digestion_n of_o the_o first_o element_n in_o mercury_n from_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v know_v that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o other_o sort_n of_o metal_n any_o distinct_a or_o more_o sulphur_n than_o be_v in_o gold_n and_o silver_n but_o one_o only_a and_o simple_a sulphur_n though_o there_o be_v in_o they_o more_o and_o great_a superfluity_n than_o be_v in_o gold_n from_o hence_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o say_n be_v know_v that_o gold_n of_o all_o metal_n cleave_v most_o unto_o mercury_n now_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o both_o because_o in_o they_o be_v less_o dross_n dregs_o or_o superfluity_n than_o in_o other_o for_o every_o thing_n do_v natural_o desire_v by_o a_o through_o mixture_n and_o union_n to_o be_v join_v to_o a_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n to_o it_o and_o proportionable_a in_o homogeneity_n rather_o than_o with_o a_o thing_n unequal_a and_o unlike_a to_o it_o as_o we_o know_v like_v as_o water_n very_o easy_o and_o without_o contradiction_n
it_o so_o also_o there_o must_v be_v in_o humane_a flesh_n a_o inform_a soul_n digest_v in_o man_n the_o brutal_a act_n and_o to_o work_v in_o he_o the_o intellectual_a work_n but_o we_o must_v understand_v it_o otherwise_o in_o our_o stone_n in_o which_o the_o earth_n have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o body_n air_n and_o water_n obtain_v the_o name_n of_o spirit_n neither_o be_v in_o it_o a_o soul_n but_o because_o it_o contain_v the_o air_n and_o fire_n which_o i_o perceive_v well_o you_o do_v perfect_o understand_v but_o the_o philosopher_n divide_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n by_o a_o crude_a spirit_n they_o extract_v a_o digest_v spirit_n out_o of_o the_o dissolve_a body_n and_o they_o have_v remain_v a_o fix_a mass_n of_o ash_n to_o be_v far_o dissolve_v in_o which_o they_o find_v a_o incombustible_a and_o stony_a oiliness_n and_o gumminess_n which_o they_o call_v the_o soul_n which_o enlivens_fw-la unite_v incerates_n and_o produce_v unite_a nature_n and_o in_o the_o spirit_n they_o disjoin_v the_o nature_n so_o in_o the_o oil_n they_o reconjoyned_n they_o for_o our_o stoâ—â—_n have_v not_o a_o inform_a nature_n as_o a_o vegetative_a or_o a_o sensitive_a but_o it_o have_v only_o a_o form_a form_n which_o form_n be_v the_o very_a element_n themselves_o because_o it_o be_v homogeneous_a but_o man_n body_n and_o that_o of_o other_o sensitive_n be_v heterogeneous_a for_o bone_n flesh_n blood_n marrow_n hair_n and_o nail_n be_v distinguish_v different_o in_o it_o which_o be_v otherwise_o in_o gold_n in_o which_o whatsoever_o there_o be_v be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o one_o kind_n wherefore_o my_o reverend_a doctor_n the_o philosopher_n speak_v this_o by_o way_n of_o similitude_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o administration_n of_o art_n and_o operation_n of_o nature_n not_o because_o there_o be_v a_o soul_n in_o the_o stone_n but_o metaphorical_o as_o you_o well_o know_v nor_o spirit_n nor_o body_n as_o a_o inform_a form_n as_o it_o be_v find_v in_o man_n and_o other_o sensitive_n very_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o oil_n which_o natural_o incerate_v and_o unite_v nature_n and_o natural_o induce_v the_o medicine_n into_o other_o body_n that_o be_v to_o be_v tinge_v be_v not_o compound_v of_o any_o other_o extraneous_a thing_n but_o out_o of_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o body_n that_o be_v to_o be_v dissolve_v which_o oil_n retain_v the_o colour_n of_o its_o spirit_n always_o until_o it_o be_v rethickn_v and_o then_o first_o of_o all_o it_o put_v on_o the_o royal_a ensign_n that_o be_v a_o citrineness_n and_o metalline_a form_n which_o it_o manifest_v to_o all_o in_o gold_n a_o golden_a in_o silver_n a_o silver_n colour_n and_o form_n which_o oil_n if_o it_o be_v sol_fw-mi be_v dissolve_v be_v perceive_v to_o be_v red_a inward_o though_o outward_o it_o appear_v white_a under_o the_o form_n of_o liquid_a quicksilver_n now_o some_o think_v to_o compound_v a_o oil_n as_o generous_a and_o powerful_a as_o this_o oil_n be_v namely_o out_o of_o mercury_n thorough_o dry_v or_o out_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o tin_n or_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n commix_v with_o ingredient_n of_o divers_a kind_n but_o for_o what_o concern_v our_o work_n their_o experiment_n be_v fallacious_a they_o can_v indeed_o reduce_v the_o species_n of_o metal_n into_o a_o kind_n of_o oil_n but_o they_o can_v at_o any_o hand_n reduce_v they_o into_o a_o metallick_n kind_n observe_v and_o keep_v the_o proportion_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v mix_v sound_n and_o entire_a but_o that_o oil_n may_v be_v profitable_a for_o medicine_n to_o sensitive_a creature_n because_o the_o nature_n of_o gold_n be_v dissolve_v therein_o but_o yet_o impertinent_o and_o unprofitable_o as_o to_o our_o philosophic_a work_n beside_o my_o honour_a doctor_n that_o i_o may_v light_o touch_v on_o the_o remain_a head_n of_o your_o epistle_n you_o must_v diligent_o and_o wise_o observe_v that_o fire_n and_o azor_n wash_v laton_n but_o azor_n be_v not_o raw_a quicksilver_n simple_o extract_v out_o of_o the_o mine_n but_o it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v extract_v by_o quicksilver_n itself_o out_o of_o the_o dissolve_a body_n which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v more_o ripe_a upon_o trial_n wherefore_o if_o laton_n be_v a_o unclean_a body_n it_o be_v depurate_v by_o such_o a_o azor_n which_o you_o write_v that_o you_o have_v have_v former_o and_o by_o this_o laton_n purify_v by_o azor_n we_o make_v our_o medicine_n for_o cure_v every_o sick_a person_n indeed_o this_o azor_n be_v make_v of_o the_o elixir_n because_o elixir_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o body_n resolve_v into_o a_o mercurial_a water_n after_o whiâ—â—_n resolution_n azor_n be_v extract_v out_o of_o it_o that_o be_v a_o animate_v spirit_n and_o it_o be_v call_v elixir_n from_o e_o which_o be_v out_o of_o and_o lixis_fw-la which_o be_v water_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v out_o of_o this_o water_n and_o elixir_n be_v the_o second_o part_n in_o the_o philosophic_a work_n as_o rebis_n be_v the_o first_o in_o the_o same_o work_n but_o the_o tincture_n constitute_v the_o three_o work_n for_o as_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o composition_n produce_v divers_a effect_n so_o it_o obtain_v different_a name_n one_o after_o another_o thence_o it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o azor_n be_v not_o requisite_a to_o the_o elixir_n because_o in_o this_o work_n the_o elixir_n go_v before_o azor_n and_o not_o the_o contrary_a like_v as_o water_n proceed_v the_o oil_n and_o the_o spirit_n the_o soul_n for_o azor_n be_v draw_v and_o extract_v out_o of_o the_o elixir_n as_o oil_n out_o of_o water_n and_o not_o contrariwise_o as_o mention_n be_v make_v elsewhere_o for_o example_n sake_n as_o in_o the_o art_n of_o physic_n pure_a simple_a fountain-water_n by_o boil_v in_o the_o first_o concoction_n be_v join_v with_o theâ—â—_n flesh_n of_o a_o chicken_n and_o thence_o in_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o concoction_n we_o obtain_v a_o broth_n a_o good_a and_o perfect_a decoction_n the_o humid_a watery_a and_o airy_a part_n of_o the_o chicken_n be_v actual_o dissolve_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a water_n though_o there_o be_v other_o element_n therein_o also_o actual_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v a_o much_o more_o perfect_a medicine_n and_o more_o generous_a for_o restore_v man_n sick_a body_n unto_o health_n the_o decoct_v body_n of_o the_o chick_n be_v beat_v into_o a_o mash_n with_o the_o say_a water_n already_o alter_v into_o a_o boil_a broth_n or_o with_o part_n of_o it_o and_o be_v distil_v by_o a_o strong_a decoction_n whence_o a_o broth_n and_o decoction_n will_v be_v make_v much_o more_o noble_a and_o generous_a partake_v of_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o chicken_n because_o by_o this_o second_o decoction_n not_o only_o the_o moist_a part_n but_o the_o hot_a part_n that_o be_v its_o aërial_n and_o fiery_a part_n be_v melt_v into_o the_o broth_n or_o decoction_n be_v thorough_o mingle_v and_o dissolve_v and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a virtue_n of_o the_o chick_n be_v in_o such_o a_o decoction_n extract_v into_o the_o aforesaid_a liquor_n so_o it_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o philosophic_a work_n because_o the_o crude_a mineral_n spirit_n like_o water_n be_v join_v with_o its_o body_n to_o dissolve_v it_o in_o its_o first_o decoction_n whence_o it_o be_v call_v rebis_n because_o it_o be_v compound_v of_o two_o or_o a_o double_a thing_n to_o wit_n of_o the_o masculine_a and_o feminine_a seed_n that_o be_v of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v dissolve_v though_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n and_o matter_n whence_o the_o verse_n rebis_n be_v two_o thing_n join_v yet_o it_o be_v but_o one_o dissolve_v to_o their_o first_o seed_n the_o sun_n or_o moon_n now_o out_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n dissolve_v together_o the_o elixir_n be_v compound_v that_o be_v a_o tinged_a water_n whence_o the_o verse_n pure_a body_n be_v of_o lixis_fw-la make_v by_o art_n hence_o greek_o elixir_n term_v its_o second-part_n out_o of_o this_o elixir_n my_o venerable_a doctor_n as_o out_o of_o the_o first_o broth_n or_o bâ—llion_n of_o a_o simple_a decoction_n azor_n be_v extract_v to_o wit_n by_o a_o strong_a and_o iterate_a distillation_n which_o azor_n resemble_v and_o participate_v the_o nature_n of_o its_o body_n from_o which_o it_o be_v extract_v which_o be_v hot_a and_o retain_v its_o virtue_n in_o itself_o namely_o a_o oily_a nature_n which_o be_v hot_a and_o moist_a because_o it_o be_v actual_a fire_n and_o air_n though_o all_o the_o element_n be_v in_o it_o in_o essence_n and_o by_o composition_n medicine_n therefore_o to_o cure_v the_o body_n of_o sensitive_n may_v be_v compose_v out_o of_o the_o say_a metal_n by_o several_a artifices_fw-la but_o they_o be_v not_o pertinent_a to_o the_o philosophic_a work_n as_o the_o elixir_n be_v to_o azor_n that_o be_v the_o vital_a spirit_n and_o fugitive_a soul_n be_v not_o diaphanous_a nor_o transparent_a as_o the_o
perceive_v that_o water_n be_v the_o first_o matter_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v bear_v or_o generate_v in_o the_o world_n for_o certain_o it_o be_v manifest_a unto_o thou_o that_o nothing_o grow_v or_o receive_v increase_v without_o the_o four_o element_n therefore_o whatsoever_o be_v elementate_v by_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o four_o element_n it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v that_o the_o original_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v bear_v or_o grow_v shall_v be_v of_o water_n yet_o ought_v you_o not_o to_o understand_v this_o before_o speak_v of_o water_n but_o of_o that_o water_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o all_o thing_n out_o of_o which_o all_o natural_a thing_n be_v produce_v in_o their_o kind_n know_v therefore_o that_o first_o of_o all_o air_n be_v engender_v of_o water_n of_o air_n fire_n of_o fire_n earth_n now_o will_v i_o more_o familiar_o and_o friendly_a discourse_n with_o thou_o i_o will_v further_o manifest_v this_o mystery_n unto_o thou_o by_o degree_n lâ—â—t_v by_o too_o much_o have_v it_o happen_v to_o we_o according_a to_o the_o proverb_n that_o he_o that_o make_v too_o much_o haste_n oftentimes_o come_v home_n too_o late_o now_o therefore_o that_o i_o may_v satisfy_v thy_o desire_n i_o will_v discourse_v of_o the_o first_o matter_n which_o philosopher_n call_v the_o five_o essence_n and_o many_o other_o name_n they_o have_v for_o it_o by_o which_o they_o may_v the_o more_o obscure_a it_o in_o it_o for_o certain_a be_v four_o element_n pure_a in_o their_o exaltation_n know_v therefore_o that_o if_o you_o will_v have_v the_o five_o essence_n man_n you_o must_v first_o have_v man_n and_o you_o must_v have_v nothing_o else_o of_o that_o matter_n and_o see_v that_o you_o observe_v this_o well_o this_o i_o say_v that_o if_o you_o desire_v to_o have_v the_o philosopher_n stone_n you_o must_v of_o necessity_n first_o have_v the_o five_o essence_n of_o that_o same_o stone_n whether_o it_o be_v mineral_n or_o vegetative_a join_v therefore_o species_n with_o species_n and_o gem_n with_o gem_n and_o not_o the_o one_o without_o the_o other_o nor_o any_o thing_n contrary_a which_o may_v be_v other_o than_o the_o species_n or_o proper_a gem_n beware_v therefore_o of_o all_o that_o be_v not_o essential_a for_o of_o boneâ—_n stone_n can_v be_v make_v neither_o do_v crane_n beget_v geâ—se_o which_o if_o you_o will_v consider_v you_o will_v find_v the_o profit_n of_o it_o by_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n by_o the_o assistance_n whereof_o let_v we_o fâ—rther_o proceed_v to_o speak_v of_o this_o bless_a water_n which_o be_v call_v the_o water_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n hide_v in_o the_o concavity_n of_o our_o earth_n concern_v which_o earth_n know_v that_o all_o that_o be_v generate_v must_v of_o necessity_n have_v male_a and_o female_a from_o which_o action_n and_o passion_n arise_v without_o which_o generation_n never_o be_v but_o you_o will_v certain_o never_o receive_v profit_n from_o thing_n differ_v in_o kind_n notwithstanding_o if_o you_o have_v this_o water_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n it_o will_v draw_v other_o body_n and_o humour_n to_o its_o own_o kind_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o virtue_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o will_v make_v they_o perfect_a as_o a_o infant_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o its_o mother_n decoction_n of_o temperate_a heat_n help_v it_o turn_v the_o flower_n into_o its_o nature_n and_o kind_n that_o be_v into_o flesh_n blood_n bones_o and_o life_n with_o the_o other_o property_n of_o a_o live_a body_n of_o which_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o say_v any_o more_o and_o hence_o you_o may_v understand_v that_o our_o water_n change_v itself_o into_o a_o perfect_a kind_n with_o thing_n of_o its_o own_o kind_n for_o first_o it_o will_v congeal_v itself_o into_o a_o substance_n like_o oil_n than_o it_o will_v change_v that_o oil_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o temperate_a heat_n into_o gum_n and_o last_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o perfect_a heat_n of_o the_o sun_n into_o a_o stone_n now_o therefore_o know_v that_o out_o of_o one_o thing_n you_o have_v three_o that_o be_v oil_n gum_n and_o a_o stone_n know_v also_o that_o when_o the_o water_n be_v turn_v into_o oil_n than_o you_o have_v a_o perfect_a spirit_n when_o the_o oil_n be_v turn_v into_o hard_a gum_n than_o you_o have_v a_o perfect_a spirit_n and_o soul_n and_o when_o the_o spirit_n and_o soul_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o stone_n than_o you_o have_v a_o perfect_a body_n soul_n and_o spirit_n together_o which_o as_o it_o be_v call_v the_o philosopher_n stone_n and_o elixir_n and_o a_o perfect_a medicine_n of_o man_n body_n so_o also_o that_o which_o be_v leaven_v with_o its_o genus_fw-la and_o the_o five_o essencâ—_n know_v son_n that_o five_o essence_n be_v divers_a one_o whereof_o be_v to_z humane_a body_n another_o to_o elixir_n and_o to_o the_o imperfect_a body_n of_o metal_n for_o you_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o generation_n and_o growth_n of_o metal_n be_v not_o as_o the_o growth_n of_o man_n body_n for_o a_o genus_fw-la agree_v with_o its_o genus_fw-la and_o a_o species_n with_o its_o species_n moreover_o know_v that_o the_o first_o matter_n of_o man_n which_o beget_v the_o flesh_n blood_n bone_n and_o life_n be_v a_o spermatick_a humour_n which_o cause_v generation_n through_o a_o vital_a spirit_n include_v therein_o and_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v generate_v and_o congeal_v into_o a_o body_n extract_v thence_o the_o five_o essence_n of_o that_o body_n wherewith_o you_o may_v nourish_v the_o body_n yet_o son_n will_v i_o tell_v thou_o moreover_o that_o water_n or_o matter_n or_o seed_n whereof_o man_n be_v beget_v be_v not_o the_o augmenter_n of_o the_o body_n know_v son_n that_o if_o the_o body_n be_v feed_v with_o its_o natural_a food_n than_o its_o first_o matter_n will_v be_v increase_v and_o also_o the_o body_n viz._n the_o first_o matter_n in_o quality_n and_o the_o body_n in_o quantity_n the_o first_o matter_n be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o 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away_o from_o he_o and_o if_o he_o be_v easy_a with_o she_o in_o the_o beginning_n she_o will_v he_o his_o master_n a_o good_a while_n this_o be_v a_o hard_a marriage_n nevertheless_o one_o comfort_n this_o be_v after_o that_o she_o have_v bear_v a_o child_n and_o know_v somewhat_o of_o disease_n she_o will_v be_v the_o more_o sober_a and_o never_o leave_v he_o after_o but_o short_o all_o our_o work_n be_v no_o more_o but_o take_v our_o stone_n and_o make_v he_o rot_v in_o horse-dung_n and_o then_o see_v he_o in_o his_o own_o water_n and_o afterward_o fry_v he_o in_o his_o own_o grease_n and_o then_o roast_v he_o till_o his_o grease_n and_o his_o water_n be_v all_o dry_v up_o and_o then_o burn_v he_o all_o to_o powder_n and_o then_o bake_v he_o on_o a_o oven_n till_o he_o will_v meâ—â—â—â—â—_n wax_n and_o then_o thou_o have_v a_o end_n and_o then_o thank_v god_n that_o this_o work_n be_v so_o easy_a for_o thy_o stone_n be_v but_o one_o thing_n and_o all_o one_o vâ—ssel_n and_o all_o 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word_n i_o that_o before_o know_v nought_o will_v rest_v and_o ask_v no_o question_n more_o the_o answer_n of_o bernardus_n trevisanus_n to_o the_o epistle_n of_o thomas_n of_o bononia_n physician_n to_o k._n charles_n the_o 8_o the_o the_o answer_n of_o bernardus_n trevisanus_n to_o the_o epistle_n of_o thomas_n of_o bononia_n physician_n to_o king_n charles_n the_o eight_o reverend_a doctor_n and_o honour_a sir_n with_o the_o tender_a of_o all_o possible_a respect_n and_o service_n be_v please_v to_o understand_v that_o i_o have_v receive_v your_o very_a large_a and_o copious_a letter_n by_o mr._n awdry_n together_o with_o the_o stone_n of_o your_o most_o secret_a work_n which_o true_o be_v a_o remarkable_a argument_n of_o your_o friendship_n by_o which_o the_o confidence_n you_o put_v in_o i_o appear_v manifest_a and_o very_a great_a and_o with_o how_o great_a and_o pierce_a a_o wit_n also_o you_o be_v illustrate_v now_o than_o i_o shall_v very_o willing_o answer_v unto_o your_o epistle_n some_o thing_n i_o shall_v approve_v which_o you_o have_v write_v learned_o and_o ingenious_o other_o thing_n i_o shall_v brief_o touch_v and_o refute_v strict_o and_o philosophical_o but_o not_o arrogant_o and_o thorough_o discuss_v they_o with_o submission_n and_o respect_n unto_o your_o honour_n and_o request_n for_o in_o this_o sacred_a and_o secret_a art_n as_o in_o other_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o theory_n ought_v to_o be_v confirm_v by_o practical_a experience_n now_o therefore_o reverend_a doctor_n let_v we_o visit_v one_o another_o with_o such_o return_v and_o treatise_n since_o we_o may_v not_o be_v bodily_a unite_v but_o it_o be_v your_o wisdom_n as_o you_o very_o well_o know_v to_o know_v and_o inspect_v thing_n by_o their_o cause_n for_o experience_n be_v deceitful_a when_o not_o guide_v by_o a_o previous_a understanding_n there_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o student_n in_o philosophy_n a_o strong_a and_o discreet_a meditation_n that_o the_o work_v they_o undertake_v may_v be_v convenient_o bring_v on_o to_o its_o utmost_a perfection_n for_o contingent_a error_n happen_v unto_o they_o who_o will_v fall_v to_o work_v omit_v or_o neglect_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o mental_a practice_n which_o the_o theory_n frame_v in_o the_o mind_n before_o the_o operation_n proceed_v to_o the_o composure_n of_o any_o work_n for_o work_n must_v attend_v nature_n and_o not_o nature_n follow_v work_n he_o than_o that_o will_v effect_v any_o thing_n must_v prepare_v his_o mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o eventual_a accident_n of_o thing_n and_o afterward_o he_o may_v safe_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o work_n and_o indeed_o i_o clear_o perceive_v your_o mind_n to_o be_v high_o instruct_v in_o these_o thing_n by_o your_o experiment_n set_v down_o full_o in_o your_o epistle_n for_o as_o water_v which_o be_v cold_a and_o moist_a if_o it_o be_v well_o mix_v with_o vegetable_n assume_v another_o quality_n and_o in_o decoction_n take_v to_o it_o and_o put_v on_o it_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n wherewith_o it_o be_v thorough_o mix_v so_o also_o quicksilver_n assume_v different_a nature_n and_o quality_n in_o thing_n familiar_a unto_o it_o and_o thorough_o mix_v with_o it_o as_o if_o it_o be_v join_v to_o the_o sun_n the_o quality_n of_o the_o sun_n if_o to_o the_o moon_n those_o of_o the_o moon_n if_o to_o venus_n of_o venus_n and_o so_o in_o other_o kind_n of_o metal_n their_o kind_n therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v decocter_n therein_o and_o mercury_n be_v their_o water_n in_o which_o by_o a_o mutual_a alteration_n it_o assume_v in_o a_o convertible_a manner_n their_o mutation_n and_o this_o water_n contract_v unto_o itself_o from_o they_o a_o nature_n in_o a_o resemblance_n to_o vegetable_n decoct_v in_o simple_a water_n though_o these_o kind_n be_v not_o alter_v in_o their_o colour_n outward_o under_o the_o form_n of_o fluidity_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o thickness_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o earth_n immerse_v in_o and_o unite_v proportionable_o to_o the_o water_n of_o mercury_n but_o we_o find_v it_o otherwise_o in_o other_o diaphanous_a humidity_n for_o this_o alter_v nature_n be_v alter_v and_o its_o colour_n outward_o be_v hide_v under_o the_o appearance_n of_o mercury_n and_o be_v not_o manifest_a to_o the_o sight_n and_o this_o you_o at_o large_a discuss_v and_o show_v how_o simple_a river_n water_n be_v the_o first_o matter_n and_o nourishment_n of_o vegetable_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o live_n and_o sensitive_a creature_n therefore_o if_o any_o of_o they_o all_o be_v decoct_v in_o it_o it_o assume_v and_o put_v on_o itself_o the_o virtue_n and_o propriety_n of_o their_o nature_n wherefore_o be_v in_o itself_o cold_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n yet_o by_o mean_n of_o thing_n decoct_v in_o it_o it_o work_v in_o we_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o thing_n hot_a in_o the_o first_o degree_n that_o i_o may_v use_v your_o word_n moreover_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o nourish_v more_o than_o the_o broth_n or_o decoction_n of_o good_a flesh_n and_o if_o the_o water_n in_o which_o flesh_n and_o herb_n be_v boil_a or_o the_o thing_n boil_a in_o water_n be_v eat_v moist_a or_o the_o simple_a water_n aâ—ter_v boil_a be_v take_v or_o drink_v it_o hurt_v not_o at_o all_o yea_o it_o will_v profit_v and_o help_n much_o although_o before_o in_o its_o simplicity_n and_o nature_n it_o will_v have_v be_v hurtful_a now_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v because_o that_o water_n be_v not_o such_o as_o it_o be_v before_o in_o like_a manner_n quicksilver_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o all_o metal_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v water_n in_o the_o analogy_n betwixt_o it_o and_o vegetable_n or_o animal_n and_o receive_v into_o it_o the_o virtue_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o decoction_n adhere_v to_o it_o and_o be_v thorough_o mingle_v with_o it_o which_o be_v
most_o cold_a may_v yet_o in_o a_o short_a time_n be_v make_v most_o hot_a and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n with_o temperate_a thing_n may_v be_v make_v temperate_a by_o a_o most_o subtlâ—_n artificial_a invention_n and_o no_o metaâ—_n adhere_v better_a to_o it_o than_o gold_n as_o you_o say_v and_o therefore_o as_o some_o think_v gold_n be_v nothing_o but_o quicksilver_n coagulate_v by_o the_o power_n oâ—_n sulphur_n etc._n etc._n and_o thence_o you_o will_v conclude_v as_o i_o think_v and_o well_o that_o if_o gold_n be_v decoct_v and_o dissolve_v right_o in_o the_o natural_a way_n of_o art_n quicksilver_n itself_o will_v obtain_v the_o natural_a property_n of_o that_o gold_n but_o the_o way_n of_o this_o decoction_n and_o solution_n of_o metal_n be_v know_v to_o very_a few_o and_o it_o manifest_o appear_v for_o the_o cause_n oâ—_n this_o solution_n be_v the_o moistness_n oâ—_n mercury_n restrain_v by_o the_o compactness_n of_o a_o homogeneal_a earth_n and_o contrariwise_o the_o coldness_n of_o the_o earth_n restrain_v by_o a_o wateâ—â—omogeneal_a to_o itself_o the_o homogeneousness_n of_o quality_n remain_v so_o that_o there_o be_v in_o it_o a_o single_a dryness_n and_o double_a coldness_n a_o simple_a moistness_n but_o under_o a_o disproportion_n of_o immaturity_n to_o the_o anatical_a proportion_n of_o the_o ripe_a digest_v sun_n the_o dissolver_n therefore_o differ_v from_o the_o dissolvend_fw-mi in_o proportion_n and_o digestion_n and_o not_o in_o matter_n because_o nature_n may_v make_v this_o of_o that_o without_o any_o additional_a mixture_n as_o nature_n do_v wonderful_o and_o simple_o produce_v gold_n of_o quicksilver_n as_o you_o have_v learned_o discourse_v in_o your_o epistle_n for_o in_o vegetable_n the_o moisture_n of_o simple_a water_n be_v take_v for_o a_o intrinsic_a dissolution_n that_o thing_n congeal_v by_o art_n may_v diffuse_v into_o it_o their_o effect_n and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o thing_n come_v about_o with_o the_o coagulation_n of_o water_n and_o the_o coagulation_n of_o water_n with_o the_o dissolution_n of_o thing_n and_o contrariwise_o and_o so_o it_o be_v likewise_o in_o the_o mineral_n water_n and_o thing_n of_o its_o kind_n he_o therefore_o that_o know_v the_o art_n and_o secret_n of_o dissolution_n have_v attain_v the_o secret_a point_n of_o art_n which_o be_v to_o mingle_v thorough_o the_o kind_n and_o out_o of_o nature_n to_o extract_v nature_n which_o be_v effectual_o hide_v in_o they_o how_o have_v he_o then_o find_v the_o truth_n who_o destroy_v the_o moist_a nature_n of_o quicksilver_n as_o those_o fool_n who_o deform_v its_o kind_n from_o its_o metallick_n disposition_n or_o dissolution_n and_o by_o dissolve_v its_o radical_a moisture_n corrupt_v it_o and_o disproportion_v quicksilver_n from_o its_o first_o mineral_n quality_n which_o need_v nothing_o but_o purity_n and_o simple_a decoction_n for_o example_n they_o who_o defile_v it_o with_o salt_n vitriol_n and_o aluminous_a thing_n destroy_v it_o and_o change_v it_o into_o some_o other_o thing_n than_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o quicksilver_n for_o that_o seed_n which_o nature_n by_o its_o sagacity_n and_o clemency_n oppose_v they_o endeavour_v to_o perfect_v by_o violate_v and_o destroy_v it_o which_o undoubted_o be_v destructive_a to_o it_o as_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o work_n for_o the_o seed_n in_o humane_a and_o sensitive_a thing_n be_v form_v by_o nature_n and_o not_o by_o art_n but_o it_o be_v join_v by_o art_n and_o well_o mix_v but_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o it_o nor_o add_v to_o it_o if_o the_o same_o species_n must_v be_v renovate_v by_o the_o procreation_n of_o its_o own_o kind_n so_o the_o same_o matter_n must_v abide_v and_o continue_v that_o the_o same_o form_n may_v follow_v which_o it_o do_v not_o otherwise_o wherefore_o excellent_a doctor_n false_a and_o vain_a be_v all_o their_o doctrine_n which_o alter_v mercury_n which_o be_v the_o seed_n before_o the_o metallick_n species_n be_v join_v with_o it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v dry_v up_o it_o dissolve_v not_o what_o then_o can_v it_o do_v in_o the_o solution_n of_o thing_n of_o own_o species_n for_o if_o it_o be_v heat_v beyond_o its_o natural_a digestion_n it_o will_v not_o cause_v nor_o generate_v in_o the_o metalline_a species_n a_o feverish_a heat_n as_o it_o be_v and_o will_v impertinent_o turn_v cold_a into_o hot_a and_o passive_a into_o active_a and_o the_o error_n from_o thence_o will_v be_v incorrigible_a and_o labour_v lose_v for_o example_n fool_n draw_v corrosive_a water_n out_o of_o inferior_a mineral_n into_o which_o they_o cast_v the_o species_n of_o metal_n and_o corrode_v they_o for_o they_o think_v that_o they_o be_v therefore_o dissolve_v with_o a_o natural_a solution_n which_o solution_n true_o require_v a_o permanency_n of_o the_o dissolver_n and_o dissolve_v together_o that_o a_o new_a species_n may_v result_v from_o both_o the_o masculine_a and_o feminine_a seed_n i_o tell_v you_o assure_o that_o no_o water_n dissolve_v any_o metallick_n species_n by_o a_o natural_a solution_n save_o that_o which_o abide_v with_o they_o in_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o which_o the_o metal_n themselves_o be_v dissolve_v can_v recongeal_v which_o thing_n happen_v not_o in_o aquafortis_n but_o rather_o be_v a_o defilement_n of_o the_o compound_v that_o be_v of_o the_o body_n to_o be_v dissolve_v neither_o be_v that_o water_n proper_a for_o solution_n of_o body_n which_o abide_v not_o with_o they_o in_o their_o coagulation_n and_o final_o mercury_n be_v of_o this_o sort_n and_o not_o aquafortis_n nor_o that_o which_o fool_n imagine_v to_o be_v a_o lympid_a and_o diaphanous_a mercurial_a water_n for_o if_o they_o divide_v or_o obstruct_v the_o homogeneity_n of_o mercury_n how_o can_v the_o first_o proportion_n of_o the_o feminine_a seed_n consist_v and_o be_v preserve_v because_o mercury_n can_v receive_v congelation_n with_o the_o dissolve_a body_n neither_o will_v the_o true_a kind_n be_v â—â—novated_v afterward_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o art_n nay_o but_o some_o other_o filthy_a and_o unprofitable_a thing_n yet_o thus_o they_o think_v they_o dissolve_v mistake_v nature_n but_o dissolve_v not_o for_o the_o aquafortis_n be_v abstract_v the_o body_n become_v meltable_a as_o before_o and_o that_o water_n abide_v not_o with_o nor_o subsist_v in_o the_o body_n as_o its_o radical_a moisture_n the_o body_n indeed_o be_v corrode_v but_o not_o dissolve_v and_o by_o how_o much_o more_o they_o be_v corrode_v they_o be_v so_o much_o more_o estrange_v from_o a_o metallick_n kind_n these_o solution_n therefore_o be_v not_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o art_n of_o transmutation_n but_o the_o imposture_n rather_o of_o sophistical_a alchemist_n who_o think_v that_o this_o sacred_a art_n be_v hide_v in_o they_o they_o say_v indeed_o that_o they_o make_v solution_n but_o they_o can_v make_v perfect_a metallick_n species_n because_o they_o do_v not_o natural_o remain_v under_o the_o first_o proportion_n or_o kind_n which_o mercury_n the_o water_n allow_v in_o metallick_n species_n for_o mercury_n be_v corrupt_v with_o metal_n by_o way_n of_o alteration_n not_o dissipation_n because_o body_n dissolve_v therein_o be_v never_o separate_v from_o it_o as_o in_o aquafortis_n and_o other_o corrosive_n but_o one_o kind_n put_v on_o and_o hide_v another_o retain_v it_o secret_o and_o perfect_o so_o sol_n and_o lune_fw-fr dissolve_v be_v secret_o retain_v in_o it_o for_o their_o nature_n be_v hide_v in_o mercury_n even_o unto_o its_o condensation_n of_o which_o they_o lie_v hide_v be_v the_o cause_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v latent_fw-la in_o it_o and_o as_o mercury_n dissolve_v they_o and_o hide_v they_o in_o its_o belly_n so_o they_o also_o congeal_v it_o and_o what_o be_v hard_a be_v make_v soft_a what_o be_v soft_a hard_o and_o yet_o the_o kind_n that_o be_v metal_n and_o quicksilver_n abide_v still_o he_o therefore_o who_o thus_o dissolve_v congeal_v rather_o and_o the_o corrupt_a species_n conjoin_v receive_v their_o old-form_n by_o a_o artificial_a decoction_n notwithstanding_o this_o dissolution_n make_v several_a colour_n appear_v because_o the_o species_n remain_v as_o it_o be_v dead_a yet_o their_o intrinsical_a proportion_n be_v permanent_a and_o entire_a so_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n speak_v by_o way_n of_o similitude_n of_o vegetable_n unless_o a_o grain_n of_o corn_n fall_v on_o the_o earth_n do_v die_v it_o abide_v alone_o but_o if_o it_o die_v it_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n therefore_o this_o alterative_a corruption_n hide_v form_n perfect_v nature_n keep_v proportion_n and_o change_n colour_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n for_o when_o the_o water_n begin_v to_o cover_v the_o earth_n the_o black_a colour_n begin_v to_o be_v hide_v under_o the_o white_a when_o the_o air_n cover_v the_o water_n and_o the_o earth_n the_o citrine_n colour_n appear_v which_o be_v turn_v to_o red_a when_o the_o fire_n cover_v the_o air_n or_o the_o other_o
mercury_n which_o be_v such_o as_o the_o planet_n be_v with_o which_o it_o be_v in_o conjunction_n for_o that_o arnoldus_fw-la though_o in_o other_o science_n he_o be_v a_o reverend_n and_o ingenious_a doctor_n yet_o in_o this_o art_n he_o handle_v experiment_n only_o without_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o cause_n now_o when_o he_o say_v that_o in_o the_o first_o sublimation_n the_o crude_a spirit_n be_v sublime_v from_o the_o inferior_a salt_n mineral_n and_o that_o mercury_n itself_o which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v cold_a and_o moist_a become_v a_o powder_n of_o a_o hot_a and_o dry_a nature_n as_o he_o say_v this_o yet_o conduce_v nothing_o to_o our_o work_n but_o let_v it_o be_v so_o that_o he_o make_v of_o mercury_n such_o a_o powder_n as_o he_o speak_v of_o that_o be_v thorough_o dry_v and_o hot_a by_o sublimation_n from_o salt_n yet_o those_o purification_n be_v vain_a and_o impertinent_a to_o our_o work_n yea_o as_o to_o the_o perfect_a of_o our_o work_n they_o be_v hurtful_a for_o though_o these_o inferior_a mineral_n communicate_v with_o metal_n in_o their_o nature_n yet_o not_o in_o kind_n and_o proportion_n for_o the_o superior_a and_o inferior_a mineral_n in_o their_o nativity_n and_o subterraneous_a formation_n be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o constitution_n universal_o and_o therefore_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n but_o they_o differ_v in_o proportion_n quality_n and_o kind_a or_o form_n wherefore_o if_o mercury_n be_v distil_v with_o those_o inferior_a mineral_n and_o thorough_o dry_v than_o his_o internal_a nature_n be_v confound_v and_o disproportion_v and_o be_v hinder_v and_o make_v unprofitable_a as_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o feminine_a seed_n and_o invalid_a for_o our_o metallick_n work_n for_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v turn_v into_o the_o form_n of_o a_o powder_n except_o from_o his_o body_n of_o sol_n or_o luna_n so_o soon_o he_o undergo_v a_o through_o dryness_n unprofitable_a to_o the_o philosophic_a work_n yet_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o a_o drossy_a and_o impure_a mercury_n may_v and_o aught_o by_o a_o simple_a salt_n be_v sublime_v or_o purge_v once_o or_o often_o according_a to_o a_o due_a philosophic_a experience_n to_o take_v from_o it_o its_o droâ—s_n and_o outward_a mineral_n impurity_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o fluidity_n and_o radical_a humidity_n of_o mercury_n may_v always_o remain_v unaltered_a for_o the_o mercurial_a kind_n and_o form_n in_o such_o a_o work_n aught_o to_o remain_v uncorrupted_a as_o have_v be_v say_v already_o nor_o ought_v its_o outward_a form_n to_o be_v reduce_v into_o a_o thorough_o dry_v powder_n because_o its_o external_a form_n be_v corrupt_v show_v its_o internal_a nature_n to_o be_v confound_v unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o generation_n that_o it_o be_v alter_v as_o may_v be_v manifest_o see_v in_o the_o sign_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o natural_a way_n for_o there_o be_v sublimation_n of_o mercury_n from_o its_o own_o proper_a body_n which_o be_v conjoin_v and_o mingle_v with_o it_o by_o a_o amalgamation_n with_o it_o in_o its_o most_o inward_a part_n from_o which_o be_v oftentimes_o raise_v and_o reunite_v it_o reject_v and_o lose_v its_o superfluity_n and_o be_v not_o confound_v in_o its_o nature_n and_o afterward_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o philosophic_a work_n and_o powerful_a to_o dissolve_v metallick_n species_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o great_o alter_v intrinsical_o for_o the_o philosophic_a work_n unless_o it_o be_v alter_v by_o fix_a body_n dissolve_v in_o it_o but_o wonderful_a thing_n may_v be_v do_v in_o medicine_n for_o sensitive_n from_o this_o dry_a powder_n whether_o it_o be_v reduce_v into_o a_o oil_n or_o into_o water_n or_o it_o abide_v in_o a_o powder_n but_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o pertinent_a to_o the_o philosophic_a experiment_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v universal_o note_v that_o so_o soon_o as_o mercury_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o powder_n of_o whatever_o sort_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o body_n to_o be_v dissolve_v so_o soon_o will_v it_o be_v unprofitable_a to_o the_o philosophic_a work_n there_o be_v certain_a deceive_a sophister_n who_o by_o join_v venus_n to_o it_o or_o add_v other_o species_n make_v a_o sophistick_a work_n that_o be_v they_o give_v unto_o imperfect_a copper_n a_o colour_n but_o not_o natural_a they_o induce_v indeed_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o apparency_n but_o not_o a_o true_a nature_n that_o be_v transmutation_n like_a as_o he_o that_o paint_v a_o dead_a image_n or_o compose_v a_o statue_n of_o wood_n which_o appear_v only_o but_o be_v not_o and_o as_o much_o as_o a_o live_n differ_v from_o a_o image_n and_o picture_n so_o much_o differ_v their_o work_n from_o the_o philosophic_a hence_o this_o mixture_n persevere_fw-la not_o in_o the_o test_n of_o the_o fire_n though_o it_o be_v mineral_n because_o nature_n attract_v it_o not_o from_o a_o proportionable_a digestion_n nor_o have_v art_n vehement_o decoct_v it_o to_o a_o alteration_n of_o the_o mix_a nature_n wherefore_o that_o copper_n appear_v to_o be_v superficial_o only_a and_o not_o permanent_o and_o intrinsical_o tinge_v wherefore_o we_o must_v not_o adhere_v to_o the_o experiment_n of_o deceitful_a sophister_n because_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o natural_a art_n confute_v this_o sophistick_a work_n and_o show_v it_o to_o be_v false_a and_o if_o you_o will_v instance_n far_o and_o say_v that_o as_o the_o say_v armaldus_fw-la by_o sublimation_n purge_v away_o the_o dross_n of_o mercury_n and_o dry_v it_o in_o its_o nature_n so_o also_o as_o you_o say_v he_o by_o revive_v it_o moisten_v it_o again_o and_o make_v the_o mercury_n itself_o hot_a and_o moist_a and_o in_o its_o nature_n conformable_a to_o its_o body_n this_o hinder_v not_o my_o reverend_a doctor_n nor_o refute_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o philosophic_a art_n yea_o rather_o a_o error_n appear_v in_o the_o natural_a art_n for_o as_o be_v manifest_a arnaldus_n do_v teach_v if_o you_o regard_v the_o find_v of_o his_o word_n that_o mercury_n thus_o thorough_o dry_v be_v revive_v by_o hot_a water_n into_o which_o it_o be_v cast_v and_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v make_v hot_a and_o moist_a when_o it_o be_v first_o sublime_v hot_a and_o dry_a but_o what_o true_a philosopher_n will_v say_v that_o mercury_n or_o any_o other_o metal_n be_v change_v in_o nature_n and_o internal_a quality_n by_o simple_a water_n however_o hot_a or_o boil_a or_o that_o it_o can_v thence_o acquire_v its_o natural_a humidity_n and_o so_o be_v revive_v therefore_o mercury_n in_o this_o revival_n acquire_v nothing_o because_o common_a water_n neither_o decoct_n nor_o alter_v it_o because_o it_o neither_o have_v entrance_n nor_o ingress_n into_o it_o and_o that_o which_o neither_o have_v entrance_n nor_o ingress_n alter_v not_o because_o every_o thing_n to_o be_v alter_v must_v first_o be_v thorough_o mingle_v for_o indeed_o such_o a_o water_n may_v wipe_v away_o from_o it_o some_o superficial_a dross_n swim_v upon_o it_o but_o can_v infuse_v into_o it_o a_o new_a quality_n for_o what_o nature_n soever_o mercury_n reduce_v into_o a_o powder_n and_o mortify_v by_o sublimation_n retain_v such_o nature_n altogether_o it_o retain_v revive_v by_o water_n now_o this_o i_o will_v have_v to_o be_v speak_v in_o honour_n and_o respect_n unto_o the_o say_v arnaldus_n but_o i_o contemplate_v and_o defend_v the_o truth_n of_o nature_n and_o experience_n furthermore_o honour_a doctor_n that_o i_o may_v by_o this_o my_o answer_n satisfy_v your_o epistle_n and_o put_v a_o end_n thereto_o i_o humble_o entreat_v you_o that_o you_o will_v take_v in_o good_a part_n and_o favourable_o bear_v what_o i_o have_v write_v not_o by_o way_n of_o confutation_n but_o disputation_n but_o if_o i_o have_v answer_v any_o thing_n that_o offend_v you_o take_v it_o yet_o in_o good_a part_n and_o favourable_o or_o signify_v it_o to_o i_o in_o writing_n and_o i_o will_v satisfy_v you_o to_o my_o power_n as_o the_o most_o true_a doctor_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o shall_v give_v and_o teach_v i_o thanks_o be_v to_o christ._n the_o prefatory_a epistle_n of_o bernard_n earl_n of_o tresne_n to_o the_o noble_a doctor_n and_o most_o learned_a philosopher_n thomas_n of_o bononia_n my_o friend_n if_o i_o have_v any_o thing_n more_o noble_a imagine_v you_o with_o what_o good_a will_v i_o shall_v dedicate_v it_o to_o thou_o for_o have_v consider_v the_o wonderful_a virtue_n of_o this_o science_n in_o its_o height_n which_o you_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o therefore_o be_v i_o willing_a to_o dedicate_v this_o my_o labour_n unto_o thou_o entreat_v thou_o to_o accept_v it_o with_o as_o good_a a_o will_n as_o i_o give_v it_o unto_o thou_o and_o conclude_v that_o whilst_o i_o give_v thou_o this_o my_o labour_n that_o i_o have_v give_v a_o