Each Bird so sings, as formed is his Bill;And such as is the Man, so speak he will.
Each Bird so sings, as formed is his Bill;And such as is the Man, so speak he will.
Each Bird so sings, as formed is his Bill;And such as is the Man, so speak he will.
Each Bird so sings, as formed is his Bill;
And such as is the Man, so speak he will.
Indeed I would willingly have published more Examples, of the Method of swiftly fixingSulphur, but I am kept back by very weighty Reasons. Yet I cannot chuse, but Commemorate these few things thereabout;viz.that every 🜍, without the help of external Fire, by a Secret invisible Fire only, which is added to the combustible 🜍, and left with it for a small space of Time, in a cold place, becomes as white and fixed, sustaining all force of Fire, as well as that Fixation, which is made byAqua Fortis, or his abstraction from the 🜍. Wherefore this cold Fixation ofSulphur, by our Secret cold, and humid Fire (because it needs no common Fire, no Body, and Head, no Retort with itsReceiver, and the like) is to be preferred before the other Fixation byAqua Fortis. Therefore for this, we give Immortal Praises and Thanks to the most wiseGOD.
If any Reader thinks, I have been too brief, or too obscure in this Treatise, he may more amply satisfie his Desires from the two following Tracts, where we treat of theMercuryandSaltof Philosophers; whereunto we refer every one, that is a studious Inquisitor of Art.
Mercurymay easily be extracted not only from all Metals and Minerals, but also from Animals, and Vegetable Subjects, and of the same (by the help of Gold) be prepared a true Tincture for all the three Kingdoms.
We, from the Consent of all true Philosophers, do certainly know, that ☿ is the most pure part of the three Principles of Metals, and therefore doth spontaneously adhere to most pure Metals, and always embraceth them with greater affection, than the impure Metals. As for Example,Mercurymost willingly adheres to its own like ☿; next to ☉; then to ☽; afterwards to ♃, and ♄; and lastly to ♀; but to ♂ most unwillingly, only because it chooseth rather to mix it self with its like, than with its unlike. For it is wholly Homogeneal, void of all Heterogeneal parts; such also are ☉ and ☽. The greatest part of all other Metals is Heterogeneal, although there is found no imperfect Metal, which hath not in it self some part Homogeneal; yet so, as the Metal participates more of the one, than of the other; according to the Writings of Philosophers. Wherefore, a true Philosopher will scarcely affirm, that, by the benefit of the Tincture, the whole Body of imperfect Metals can be transmuted into ☉ or ☽, since so great Virtue is not insited, even in the Philosophers Stone it self. For the immature, foul, stinking, combustible and superfluous 🜍 of ♃, ♂ or ♀, cannot, in so short time, as Projection is wont to be made in, be converted into ☉, although you cast in more than enough of the Tincture: But as much as the Metal hath of Homogeneity, that is, ofMercury, in it self, so much only is tinged and fixed into Gold, the Residue not so. Because the Stone separates the Heterogeneal parts, that is, the superfluous 🜍 burning it self (in the form ofScoria) from theMercury, which it only tingeth into Gold; because it hath no Communion with those Heterogeneities; as I have daily found, and in the following Part, where we treat of theSaltof Philosophers, I purpose to demonstrate more at large.
Now let us see the Method, by which Metallick ☿ may with little Labour be extracted, not only from
Metals and Minerals, but also from all Animals and Vegetables. I said,With little Labour, in respect of experienced Men. For in respect of the Unskilful, it is not a Work of small Labour; but in the Memory of all Ages it hath been accounted (by all the most experiencedLoversof ourArt) theSecret of Secrets, and the nearest way to come to the Attainment of the trueUniversal Medicine. Nor will it ever be of less Esteem, since in the whole Nature of things, a more pure matter cannot be found, (whereof to make the Stone of Philosophers) than this onlyMercuryof Metals. In the mean while, it is easie to judge, that theMercuriesof Metals differ in themselves notably, and that one of them is better, and more conducible than another, for preparing thence a Tincture for Humane and Metalline Bodies. For one is always better in Colour and Tincture than another. Indeed, by the external Face, almost no Man is able certainly to know, from what Metal or Mineral the bestMercurymay be had: Yet according to the general Opinion of Philosophers, the most excellent ☿ is wont to be prepared of theVitriolof ♂ and ♀; because these two Metals do most abound with Tinctures. I, being taught by Experience, am assured, that out of black Ash-coloured ♄ may be acquired a ☿, as excellently tinged, as from both those Red Metals, ♂ and ♀. Yet in the mean while I do not deny, that the ☿ of ♂ and ♀, is impregnated with 🜍, tinging in the highest degree; as Ancient Philosophers, in these few words, have compendiously expressed.VITRIOLUM.Visitaris Interiora Terræ, Rectificando Invenies Occultum Lapidem, Veram Medicinam.By which Words,VITRIOLUM[orVitriol] is expressed; which process is no other, than a Solution ofMarsandVenusprepared by the Labour of Nature. ButVitriolprepared thus by Nature, is never found so pure and clean, as that which is prepared of good Steel, and pure ♀, by the help of Oyl ofSulphur, or instead of that, Oyl ofVitriol: Because the Native contains more Earthiness, than that which is made by Art. Now let us return to ourMercury.
I think good here, to advise all the Lovers of our Art, not to bend their thoughts so much upon vulgar ☉ and ☽, as to endeavour out of them to extract their ☿ and 🜍. Because common ☉ and ☽ are altogether Homogeneal, and have nothing of Heterogeneity in them; and therefore difficult to be wrought on. And although they were as easie to be wrought on as ♂ and ♀; yet it would be no Profit to use them; because of their greater Price, and also because there is much more Tincture contained in vile and contemptible ♂, than in ☉ it self. It is true, this Tincture is not yet fixed, but is volatile, and may easily be fixed. Wherefore I advise every one to seek ☿ in ♄, and 🜍 in ♂. Upon ☉, in times past, through my Ignorance, I consumed much without any Profit, and laboured Fruitlesly, until I had consumed some Pounds of it, to find out for others a more safe Way; which if any one had shewed me, I would never have laboured in vain. But I was hard to believe, that they, who were unwilling to use common ☉ and ☽, could prepare an apt Tincture, for tinging imperfect Metals into Gold. Yet since vulgar ☉ and ☽, do not only give easie Ingress to those Tinctures, which draw their Original from the 🜍 and ☿ of Philosophers; but do also further the Fixation of volatileMercury; therefore we cannot well be without them, in the Composition of the Stone of Philosophers. Let the Lovers of Art take Cognizance of these few things for their Information.
Now it is necessary to be known, by what Method the ☿ of Philosophers may most commodiously be extracted from Metals and Minerals, and by the help of ☉, be duly fixed by Art, into a Tincture for humane and metallick Bodies.
First, we are not ignorant, that the purest part of Metals,viz.: HomogenealMercury, is tyrannically held Captive in a certain obscure Prison, by his most inveterate Enemy, superfluous burningSulphur. Therefore, if any one would unbolt his Chains, and set him free, he hath necessity to mortifie and annihilate his Enemies, by which he is so fast bound and imprisoned, before he breaks down the Prison Walls, and deliversMercuryfrom Captivity: Which ☿ will also bring forth with him his natural Brother,viz.tinging 🜍. These being at Liberty, nothing will be wanting to fix them into a Tincture, but the help of vulgar ☉. But if any one be not satisfied with this short Paraphrase, let him read eitherSandivogius, who hath writ an intire Treatise of such a freeing of Captives; orParacelsus, who, no less eminently than plainly, hath discovered his mind touching the same.
Although I have my self extracted theMercuryof Philosophers from Metals, by such divers Methods, as I mean here to discover; yet I always found some better than other some. Therefore out of such Processes, some of which we here subjoyn, every Man may, as best pleaseth him, take which he thinks most conducible, and proceed in Operating according to that, until he finds, whatGODshall be pleased to bestow on him.
Mercuryis never to be extracted from hard Metals, before they be dissolved and unlocked. Unlocked more commodiously they cannot be, than by the Corrosive Spirits of Salt. Yet since all Corrosives are most inimical to ☿, they have no Power of making either Living or RunningMercury. Therefore, after Solution, the Corrosives must be mortified by contrary Salts; such are, Salt ofTartar, Spirit ofUrine,Sal Armoniack, &c. This being done, the Corrosives changing their Nature wax gentle, and in Distillation permit the ☿ to ascend: Which otherwise, without Mortification of the Corrosive, would not happen, as you will learn by the following Processes.
Therefore, since it is most certain, that Metals are to be dissolved, before ☿ (by the help of Resusoitating Salts) can be distilled thence; we will first exhibit the Method, by which ☿ may be extracted from such Metals, as Nature presents to us already dissolved;viz.Vitriol, which is no other thanMarsorVenus, or ♂ and ♀ together, dissolved by the Universal Acidity. Hence, whosoever will use (in his intended Work) suchVitriol, in which both those Metals are found highly tinged and dissolved by Nature; he will not need by tedious Labours to seek out a new Method of dissolving Metals, but may spare both his Time and Charges. Therefore, now it will be expedient to teach, howMercurymay be prepared of any commonVitriol.
Distil from commonVitriol, in the usual manner, an Acid Spirit, and fiery Oyl, with strong fire, according to Art. For in the Spirit is latent the ☿ of ♂and ☿, which by Mortifying the Corrosive, may be brought to light, and made Visible, as follows.
℞. OfTartar, calcined unto Whiteness ℔ i, or ij, which reduced to Powder, put into a Glass Body, on which set an Head with its Hole and Tunnel in it, well luted; then apply a Receiver, and lute the Junctures exactly. When the Body and Head is placed in warm Sand, through the Tunnel, at one time pour on about one or twoLotonesof the sharp Spirit ofVitriol, upon theTartarcalcined; whence will be caused so great Ebullition, as by its own proper Power the Spirit will ascend from it. This Duel or Fermentation being ended, again pour in some Ounces of that Spirit; which also leave, till all the Ebullition ceaseth. Afterward reiterate the like injection, until that Acidity contends no more with theTartar: Which will be an Argument, that the Salt ofTartaris sufficiently mortified. When you see this, administer Fire, and by Degrees draw forth all Humidities, untill the Vessel and Matter is Red hot. The Water that ascended (which in Taste will be almost like Spirit ofUrine) must be rectified; in which Rectification the ☿ of theVitriolascending, is rendred more subtile and more pure. This pureMercurialWater bears in it self invisibly contained, a living MetallickMercury, which is made conspicuous thus,
Dissolve common ☉ in a sharpAqua Regis, and separate the dissolved from the undissolved. Then leisurely, and at times, drop after drop, pour of your subtile Mercurial Water upon the Solution of ☉, so long, as until the Spirit of theMercuryhath no more Action upon the Solution of Gold, but ceaseth, and all the ☉ shall be precipitated from the Water. In which Precipitation, the ☉ attracts to its self theMercuryof theVitriol, from the Mercurial Water, in such a manner, as it settles to the bottom of the Vessel, in the form of Slime, or a yellow Powder. Let the Precipitate be filtred through brown Paper, that theSalineWater may pass through; and the precipitate ☿ remain in the Filter mixt with the Gold; which must be very well washed with sweet Water, and, being edulcorated, dryed. This being done, you will have the ☿ ofVitriolunited with the ☉: Both which will suffer themselves to be fixed into a true Tincture, for Humane and Metallick Bodies, as follows.
Note: Before theMercuryis put in to be fixed with the Gold, it must be proved, whether it be duly prepared, or not. For if the Mercurial Water was rightly prepared, it will contributeMercuryenough to the Gold; by which ☿ the precipitated Gold is so augmented, as tis no more common ☉. But if the Mercurial Water was not legitimately prepared, and consequently could not contribute much ☿ to the ☉, the Gold will remain poor, and, as soon as it is sensible of any heat, will fulminate, like any other fulminating Gold, and so be altogether unfit for Fixation, being destitute of a tinging ☿, which should have converted the whole Body of ☉ into Tincture. Wherefore, after Precipitation of the ☉ and ☿, you must make a small part of the Precipitate hot, in a very small Crucible, for Tryal, whether it be fit to be fixed. For if it fulminates, like fulminating ☉, it is a sign your Mercurial Water was not perfect, and could not give unto the Gold ☿ enough. But if after it shall be Red hot in the Fire, it comes forth with a delicate purple Colour; it is to be supposed, the ☉ hath imbibed ☿ enough, and they both be fixed together into one Tincture.
Note: Beware of too strong a Fire. For this way theMercurywill leave the Gold untouched, and fly away; so as, thence you can have no certain Tryal. Therefore, in all parts of the Work proceed Warily and Prudently. The Fixation of ☿ with ☉ is thus made:
℞. So much as you have ready prepared of this ourMercuryimpregnated with Gold, although there be no more of it, than half aLoton: For here no great quantity is desired. Put it into a small Glass Phial, which place in hot Sand; yet take heed, you give no stronger Fire, than your Volatile Bird can bear. This Fire you must continue in a moderate degree for some Weeks: For by that means, yourMercurywill by little and little, be able to brook the Fire, adhere to the Gold, and convert the same into Tincture. But if any one, contrary to the serious Interdiction of all Philosophers, make too much haste, and persuade himself, he may in a shorter space of time acquire the Tincture; hisMercurywill fly away, and leave the Gold pale behind it; because the ☿ in its flight substracts the Colour of the ☉, and carries it away with it self. Therefore, in Fixing there is need of Patience. Hence all Philosophers advise, not to be hasty. For Festination proceeds from the Devil. Wherefore, let every one so far study his own Good, as to be obedient to this Admonition.
Note: There are also other ways, or Methods, of fixing ☿ with ☉; but he doth very foolishly, who, when no necessity urgeth, will prostrate all things together and at once, at the feet of Swine. WhomsoeverGODwill be pleased to assist, he may triumph in the highest help; but whomGODdoth not assist, even the most plainly prescribed Method cannot help him. For all our help depends on the divine Blessing.
℞. Of the Mercurial Water above described, and mortifie it by a contrary Acidity, as Oyl ofVitriol, or Spirit ofSalt. Then theMercurywill precipitate it self, in the form of an Ash-coloured Powder, which if you edulcorate, and grind with Oyl ofTartar, you will vivifie. If any one be minded, he may also distil the same by Retort, and so examine it.
℞. A little of that,viz.the quantity of a Pea, and put it upon a Silver Plate, then over the Fire permit theMercuryto be evaporated. If it tinge the Silver well with a purple Colour, it is fit for the Work, otherwise it will be of no Value. Also, this ☿ may be digested with the filings of ☉, in a due measure or proportion mixed, and so fixed. But this Fixation, as well as the former, require along time, and so much Patience, as all Festination must be laid aside. Whosoever is so covetous, as he cannot wait till the Fruits are Ripe; he would be better advised, if he abstained from so great a Work, than to set about it to his ownDamage. I have often prepared thisMercury, and put it to be fixed; but because I could not look to it my self with my own Eyes, I was constrained to commit the Governance of the Fire, to the Industry of another, and then it succeeded unhappily. And when by reason of my Age, and imbecillity of Body, I was wholly uncapable to take in hand a Work of so great moment, I communicated the Method to some of my intimate Friends, with this Condition,viz.that they should elaborate it themselves. But because in that Operation, they could not acquire so much ☿ as they desired, they desisted, and would not proceed to the Compleatment of the Work. Hence I was moved rather, by Printing, to divulge so Royal a Work, than to let it be buried with me: Although I was difficultly brought to an hearty Assent, to yeild to the Revelation ofArcanum’s, of so great moment, to this Malignant and unfaithful World.
℞. OfAntimony,Saltpeter, andTartar, of each ℔ j. Which, first pulverized and mixed, put into a Crucible, and kindle the Mixture with a Coal; when the Fulmination ceaseth, melt it, and pour it out into a Cone. After it is cooled, separate theRegulusfrom theScoria’s; which reduce to Powder, and dissolve by boyling in Water. So doing, you will have a RedLixivium; upon which if you add (about half its own weight of)Salarmoniackpulverized, and put the Mixture into a Glass Body, (which must not be above half full, because it riseth easily) with it’s Head and Receiver well luted, and then subminister Fire for Distillation; a certain most subtile volatile Spirit will ascend, in which the ☿ ofAntimonyis latent: Which, in a Solution of ☉ may be precipitated, edulcorated, dryed, and then proved and fixed, as above we taught of theMercuryofVitriol.Antimonyyeilds much more ☿, thanVitriol; and it is also made more easily than it; and therefore to be preferred far before it; but especially, because the Ancient Philosophers did for the most part use this ☿ ofAntimony, for preparing their Tincture.
Note: If any one desire a more excellent ☿ ofVitriol, than That above described by Us; he, instead of theLixiviumofAntimony, may use aLixiviumofSaltofTartar, and thence extractMercuryby the help of Oyl ofVitriol; so he will have some thing more excellent, than can be made of a CommonLixivium.
Among all Resuscitative Salts,Tartarobtains the principal place; the next to which is Salt ofUrine, which is no other, than such a VolatileTartaras passeth into this kind of Salt, from Wine, Beer, Bread and other Foods taken into the humane Body. Almost of the same kind, is the Soot of Chimneys, being the Volatile Salt of Wood. Also a like Volatile Salt you shall find in Blood, Hairs, Horns and Hoofs of Animals. Even so, almost a likeSalarmoniackis prepared of Blood, Urine and Soot. In like manner, in Eggshels is insited an efficacious Resuscitative Salt. These and the like Salts are endued with a Virtue converting Metals intoMercury, after they are dissolved. For volatile Salts are not so efficacious, as to dissolve Metals: YetTartaris endued with so great Power, as it can dissolve some Metals easie to be dissolved, as ♂, ♀ and ♄, and thence may the Mercury be extracted by Distillation; especially if a little Kitchin Salt be added, or (which is more conducent)Salarmoniack, to comfort it. Also instead of ♂ and ♀, commonVitriolonly may be used; and thenceMercurydistilled by the help of volatile Salts.
℞. ℔ vj. OfVitriol, to which, dissolved in Urine, add ofSalarmoniack℔ j. CrudeTartar℔ ij. Salt ofTartar℔ iiij. Distil from these, in a strong Glass Body, a subtile Mercurial Water; which, according to the Method prescribed, may be made Corporeal, and with Gold be fixed into a Tincture. This way of proceeding is very easie, and of little Charge; so as it will fully satisfie the desire of those, who are contented with so much only, as may be acquired by the benefit of Glass Bodies. But those, whose greedy desire cannot be satisfied with little, may distill this Mixture in a Brass or CopperVesica, untill they have quantity enough to suffice them: Yet with this Caution, that they use noAlembick, orRefrigeratorymade of Copper, but of Lead, or (which is better) of Tin; and that because our Mercurial Water easily corrodes the Copper, and thence contracts to it self a Greenness: But in ♄ or ♃ doth not so. But if any one refuseth to be at the Charge of a TinRefrigeratory, he may use his Copper Vessels. For although the Spirit corrodes the Copper, and contracts a blewish Colour, yet this Colour in Rectifying abides in the bottom, and the ☿ is nothing the worse. Indeed, this way a greater quantity is acquired, than needs; unless the Operator be more greedy than a Wolf. But it is not the part of a good Philosopher, to covet more than is needful. If any one be desirous to prepare an abundance of Mercurial Water, either by some such way as this, or by another certain Mixture of Salts, him we have now, as it were, led by the hand, through Processes more difficult, to proceed in these. ForTartaralone will be sufficient for such an Use. What seek you? The Feces of Wine burnt will do the same; so as the Lover of Art, with almost no other Trouble and Charge, may extract theMercuryof Metals by Resuscitative Salts.
℞. Filings of Steel ℔ j.Tartar℔ ij. Common Water ℔ xx. If by strong boyling byAlembickin Sand, you distil thence all the Water; theTartarin that boyling dissolves the ♂, and so will Volatilize theMercuryset at Liberty, in such wise, as it will ascend with the Water, like a subtile Spirit; which, (concentrated and made fit by Rectification) either by a Solution of ☉, or by some other contrary Acidity, is rendred Corporeal, according to the Method above shewed. If any one, to as muchTartaras he hath, take half so muchSalarmoniack, theTartarso much the more readily preys upon the ☿, also much moreMercuryissueth thence, than byTartaronly.
Note: But since this way, in one Distillation, but littleMercuryascends, such an Operation may be performed in a largeVesica; yet with this Caution,viz.that theAlembeckandRefrigeratorybe not made of Copper, but of Tin or Lead. This way of Operating by aVesicawill be of great use, especially for such covetous Men, as cannot be content with few things;but always labour with the perpetual Poverty of an unsatiable Spirit; although, they more than sufficiently abound with the fulness of all desireable things. For he is only Rich, who is always content with his present Fortune.
℞. One or two ℔. of the Raspings or Filings ofSaturn, upon which pour fifteen, or twenty ℔. of strong Vinegar of Wine, and mix therewith a little pulverizedTartar. But the Vinegarper seshould be impregnated with no small quantity ofTartar. WhichTartar, if you distil with the Mixture, the Phlegm in Distillation carries over with it self a subtile Mercurial Spirit; which must be separated from the Phlegm, in manner as we above taught. The Solution of ♄ will remain in the bottom. Thence also, by the help of Salt ofTartar, ☿ may be extracted by Retort; yet it is not so good as the other, which ascended in the form of a subtile Spirit.
℞. Some Pounds of strongAntimonialRedLixivium, (made ofAntimonyduly, decrepitate and melted withTartarandNitre) which put into a Glass Body set in Sand, as we above taught, in treating of the Fixation of 🜍: Afterward, through the Tunnel, leisurely and at times, pour upon theLixiviummost strong Wine Vinegar, until both (viz.theLixiviumand Vinegar) cease to Act upon each other. This being done, if by Distillation you separate all the Humidity, the Sulphureous Spirit ofAntimony, will ascend in the form of a subtil Spirit, smelling likeSulphur: Which after Rectification, either with a Solution of ☽ or ☉, becomes Corporeal, and so habile, as it may be converted into a fixed Tincture.
We above shewed, that from Metals most firmly compact, a tinging 🜍 and ☿ could not be extracted, unless the Metals be first dissolved, or mortified; and that in such Mortification, there is a Spirit so apt to be associated, as, in the very hour of Mortification, it lays hold of, and carries up with it self, the ascending Spirit, or Soul of Metals. Yet among all, pure Spirit of Wine well dephlegmated, I judge best; because in abstraction it carries over with it self the most pure 🜍 and ☿ of Metals, and leaves the Gross dead Body behind in the bottom; so as, suchMercury, as you shall draw forth in distilling by Spirit of Wine, will be much purer, and more Virtuous in Tinging, than the other, which you distil off by common Water only; and that for this especially,viz.because this Spirit, which is extracted by Spirit of Wine, from more pure is rendred most pure by Rectification. Which is a thing impossible to be effected, where the Sulphureous ☿ of Metals shall ascend by the help of common Water; because then the Water only, in Rectification, is distilled off, but the 🜍 remains in the bottom, in form of a Red Powder: And the other, which is sublimed by Spirit of Wine, and afterward by Rectification subtilized to an higher degree, and meliorated in its tinging Virtue, is not only inMedicine, but also in the Melioration of Metals, Gems, and the more ignoble pretious Stones, an hundred fold more efficaciously conducent to tinge them to a Constancy, than the former, which, in distilling, ascends by Water only; and by Rectification cannot be exalted, or multiplyed in its Virtue, so well as the other, made by Spirit of Wine. That Sulphureous ☿, which ascends by help of Spirit of Wine, is endued with so subtil and penetrative Power, as to it in the Vessel is given such Ingress, by which Metals and Gems are tinged with a more constant and durable Red, or Yellow Colour, than can be annihilated or impaired by any Corrosive Waters, or by the violence of Fire; especially if it be distilled from apt tinging Subjects, as theVitriolof ♂ and ♀, or fromAntimony. Of which I suppose enough is now spoken.
Therefore, if any one be desirous of knowing more touching this Matter, him (for his further and more clear Information of the same) I refer to the Seventh Part of ourSpagyrick Pharmacopœa; where he will find, we have prolixly taught, touching the extraction of Tinctures, from Red Corals, and other tinging Subjects.
℞. Of ♄, or ☽, ℔ j. which, dissolved inAqua Fortis, precipitate with Salt-water, edulcorate the Calx with Sweet-water, and dry it. When dryed, mix with it a fourth part of our 🜍 fixed unto Whiteness. Distil from the Mixture in a coated Retort its ☿ with strong Fire; which notwithstanding will not be living ☿, but, in the form of a Sublimate, will adhere to the Neck of the Retort, in weight heavy, and to the Taste of the Tongue very sharp. Indeed there will not be so great a quantity of it, as some may desire, yet it is worthy of the highest Estimation. For in a Cold Cellar it is easily dissolved, and becomes a strong Mercurial Water, which dissolves all Metals. This Water prepared of ♄ joyns it self (with an incredible Love) with the Soul of ♂; and suffers it self to be fixed with it into Tincture; This Water prepared of ☽ readily dissolves Gold, and with it passeth into Tincture. The Reason, why, I in Distillation, mix fixed 🜍 with the ♄ or ☽, is this: Since both these Subjects, precipitated, as we above mention, with Salt-water, are very fusile and penetrating, easily melt together into one, and in Distillation yeild no ☿. Nor can Sand or Earth prevent this Fluxion. Wherefore, I could find nothing more conducible, than our white fixedSulphur.
Jupitergives forth from it self, a most excellentMercury, in form of a subtil Spirit; which, above all otherMercuries, is most earnestly beloved and attracted by Gold. For if but a very small quantity of it be put into any Solution of Gold, it in a moment draws to it self all the Gold from the sharpAqua Regis, and together with it settles to the bottom, like a purple Powder. This is the best Precipitation of ☉, when you shall extract it withAqua Regisfrom Sand and Stones: Because, by this Precipitation, theAqua Regismay be used again for extracting ☉ from Sand and Stones, as you may more amply read in our Seventh Part of the Prosperity ofGermany, where we have plainly writ touching this kind of Extraction. But in another manner, may be prepared as powerful a Mercurial Water from all Metals, by the help of my SecretSal Armoniack,which, byParacelsusandHelmont, is called the LiquorAlcaheststouching which, I have largely treated in the Seventh Part of mySpagyrick Pharmacopæa, where he who loves so great Gifts ofGOD, may satisfie his Appetite to the full.
I would not have you to suppose, I here insert this so stinking a Process, to the end you should follow this, rather than the before-mentioned; but I add this, that the common sort of Men, simple and poor, may see, that they may, by such a Method as this, suppress their Poverty, and attain to the Acquisition of so noble an universalMedicine, as well as any other of the great and mighty Men of the World, by their ample Fortunes.
Whosoever is but a little Skilled inChymistry, well knows, that every 🜍 and ☿ arise from one only Original; and that theSulphurin Herbs, and also that in Animals, is of no less Virtue, than the other in Metals, Fixation only excepted. For as this in Metals is found more fixed than that in Minerals, so the Mineral 🜍 is more fixed than the Animal, and Vegetable. The same is to be judged ofMercury. But that we may wander no further, but return again to our Purpose, and clearly prescribe the Method ofPreparing an universal Medicine, of Humane Urine and Dung, I will very briefly discover the Process in these following Words.
℞. A good quantity of humane Dung and Urine, collected in some capacious Vessel, and (after they have stood together about a Month, and when theSaltshall be exactly united with theSulphur, andMercuryby Fermentation) from thence, by anAlembickinBalneo, distil the Mercurial Sulphureous Spirit; which indeed will be very subtil, but smell strong. Yet after Rectification, as we have taught, it may be conjoyned with a Solution of Gold, and, by moderate heat, be gradually fixed into an universalMedicine, for Humane and Metallick Bodies.
Note: The aforesaid Stink vanisheth so soon as theAqua Regishath Access. Wherefore, those Philosophers who have laboured in Matters of evil and strong Smells, did always speak of suffocating their venemous Dragon inStygianWaters. But among all Philosophers, that ever I read, I find no Man more excellently to have writ, touching this matter, than thePhilosopher Neusementius, in a certain small Treatise of his, intituled,Of the Salt and Spirit of the World; where he so explains the Table ofHermes, as he renders it most worthy to be Read; because he hath so very prolixly, and largely, with exquisit study and diligence, explained all things whatsoever, the laudableHermes, in very few Words, left to Posterity in hisSmaragdineTable.
Although I have, in this small Tract, so largely and clearly treated of Preparing theMercuryof Philosophers, as it seems altogether needless to trouble the Reader, with a further Paraphrase; since from him, I have not concealed any Methods of manual Operation, but have so revealed all things necessary to be known, as he (who, only seeking the bare Letter of the prescribed Method, knows not how to elaborate his own intended Work) may rather be accounted a Man of a dull Capacity, than a Chymical Operator: Yet since unto all insatiable Sons of Avarice, according to this my Description, there seems to be too small a part ofMercuryextracted, I (for the sake of those also) will demonstrate yet another Method, by which they may obtain a larger quantity of good tinging ☿, than from Metals can be gained. But first it is required, that every one, who will exercise himself in this kind of Labour, should shew himself a diligent Operator, shunning no Pains: Know, that VulgarMercurymay easily be so prepared by Art, as to be as much conducent for Tinging, as theMercuryof Metals. Yet they must first procure Tincture to it, by tinging Metals, as by ♂, ♀ andAntimony. For, of its own proper Nature, it hath no Tincture at all in it self; but it must necessarily receive the same from other Metals, (in whichGODand Nature cooperating have insited it) before it can exercise the Power and Faculty of Tinging. But which way such a Tincture may commodiously be taken, and acquired from certain Stones tinged by Nature, or from certain Metallick, and Mineral Subjects, hath been by me, in various places of my Writings, so frequently mentioned, as I judge it not necessary to Discourse further thereabout in this place. But here, I will freely expose to publick view the way of Preparing vulgar ☿ so, as it may be able to extract Tinctures from Metals, Minerals and Stones.
℞. CommonMercury℔ j. Which as soon as you have dissolved inAqua Fortis, mortifie theAqua Fortisby pouring on Spirit ofUrine, and when you shall by Retort, in hot Sand, have abstracted thence all the unprofitable Water, and administred a stronger Fire, theMercurywill sublime it self in the Neck of the Retort, white in Colour, but discovering no singularAcrimonyupon the Tongue. Such a sublimate as this, is easily dissolved by help of common Water. ThisMercurial Wateris endued with a power of extracting Tinctures from Metals, Gems, and other more ignoble Stones. In which very Work, evenProserpina, the Wife ofPluto, will scarce elaborate any thing more excellent: Therefore, when this ☿ hath drawn so much Blood from theRed Lyon, as it no longer remains White, but becomes totally Red; then indeed it hath acquired the Melioration of one higher degree; but as yet, it is able to work no Miracles in Tinging. Now, that it may be exalted to so great Perfection, as to be admirably efficacious in Transmutation; this RedMercurymust again be vivified, and again (as we taught above) mortified; and if this Labour be repeated seven, nine, or twelve times, it will be sufficiently impregnated with Tincture. This being done, you have nothing else to do, but to fix this tingingMercuryinto a fusile Red Stone, which will thenceforth perform the same (yea perhaps more) in the Transmutation of Metals, than theMercuryof Metals it Self.
Although, I have here revealed the Melioration of commonMercury; yet, I am fully persuaded, no Man will readily set himself about its Preparation, nor adventure, by Tryal, to experience the truth of this. For commonly, every good thing is disesteemed, if it want external Splendor. Some years ago, I did earnestly, and highly commend to some of my most loving Friends, the Exaltation of commonMercury; yet no one of them took so much notice thereof, as ever toset his hand to the Work. Wherefore no Man needs to fear, that Art will be made too common, although I had published the same, described even with aSolar Ray. Indeed, I intended to have divulged more, touching such sublimateMercury, as may be dissolved with common Water,viz.how many other famous Works may be performed with it, besides the Transmutation of Metals; but for brevity sake, I here desist at present: Yet after a little while, (ifGODpermit) I will elsewhere treat of the same. In the mean time, let the loving Reader kindly accept of these: For hence he may be assured of the possibility of exalting common ☿ so far, as to be equal in Virtue to theMercuryof Metals: In which Assertion every studious Artist may safely confide, and persuade himself, that I here give no other Testimony, than I have learned by my own Experience oftentimes.