One Hundred Fifty Three Chymical Aphorisms

Imprimat.

Aphoriſm, Chymic.

• Th. Witherly, Praeſes Coll. Med. Lond.

• Cenſores.

  • Pe. Barwick,
  • Jo. Elliot,
  • Rob. Pitt,
  • Joh. Bateman,

One Hundred Fifty Three CHYMICAL APHORISMS. Briefly containing Whatſoever belongs to the Chymical Science. Done by the Labour and Study of Eremita Suburbanus. Printed in Latin at Amsterdam, Octob. 1687.

To which are added, Some other Phyloſophick Canons or Rules pertaining to the Hermetick Science. Made Engliſh and publiſhed for the ſake of the Sedulous Labourers in true Chymiſtry; By Chr. Packe, Philo-Chymico-Medicus.

London, Printed for the Author, and are to be Sold by W. Cooper at the Pelican in Little Britain; and D. Newman at the Kings-Arms in the Poultry, 1688.

To all the Lovers OF THE CHYMICAL ART.

Gentlemen,

ABout a Month ſince, I received among ſome other things, thoſe 153 Chymical Aphoriſms, from Amſterdam, where they had been newly printed in Latin, for which end they had been lately tranſmitted from Vienna, as appears by the Author's Epiſtle to his Friend. When I had peruſed and well-weighed them, with that little Judgment I could, I thought that I could do nothing more grateful to the Sons of Art, than to Publiſh them in Engliſh, which I have done with all the care and exactneſs I could.

The other 157 Phyloſophick Canons I have taken from Bernardus G. Penotus a portu Aquitano; where they are inſerted with 115 famous Cures of Paracelſus, together with Pontanus his Epiſtle, and ſome other Phyloſophick things, and printed in the Year 1582. Which together make up a Compenatum of the Chymical Art, and may ſerve the Studious for a vade mecum, or ſmall pocket Companion, with which he may converſe in his retirements. That it may be both pleaſant and profitable to the Diſciples of Hermes, is the only deſire of,

Gentlemen,

Your ready Servant, Chr. Packe.

From my Houſe, at the Sign of the Globe and Chymical Furnaces in the Poſtern-ſtreet, near Moorgate. Decemb. the 8th. 1687.

The AUTHOR TO HIS FRIEND.

YOƲ ſee here, my highly-eſteemed Friend, part of a certain Excellent Writing, digeſted into brief Aphoriſms, as a Compendium of all thoſe things which Phyloſophers are wont to obſerve, about the great Work of their Stone: Not that all things are here expounded which belong to the Compleat Deſcription of the Phyſical Tincture; for there are more things yet behind, with which the Author intends to adorn it; inaſmuch as he hath determined to fortifie theſe Aphoriſms which he hath here emitted, from the Authority of the Principal Phyloſophers: in which Work he will accurately explain the Similitudes, Figures, and other obſcure and confuſed manners of ſpeaking, which every where occur in the Writings of Phyloſophers. That ſo at length thoſe things which hitherto have been delivered too intricately, and confuſedly by moſt Writers, may appear in ſome Methodical Order. Nevertheleſs, the principal ſcope of this Author, is not ſo much to expoſe or ſet forth his own Inventions, as to reduce the valuable Sayings of others into order; which he willingly ſubmitteth to the Judgment and Examination of thoſe, who have made a greater Progreſs in the Art than himſelf.

But although I know this to be the purpoſe of the Learned Author, nevertheleſs I chuſe rather to tranſmit this little work to you, imperfect as it is, that you may weigh it, and cauſe it to be printed, then that the Sons of Art ſhould any longer want this ſmall help; that it may give a light to thoſe who err and go aſtray in the midſt of darkneſs.

And that the Author may judge from the event of this his labour, whether it will be worth his Pains to emit the whole Work to the World. Farewel my good Friend, and let me continue to have a place in your Favour.

Dated at Vienna, the 2d. of Septemb. 1687.

CLIII Chymical Aphoriſms; To which [•]ay be Commodiouſly referred whatſoever belongs to the Chymical Science.

Aphoriſm I.

ALchymy is the perfect knowledge of whole Nature and Art, about the Kingdom of Metals.

Aph. 2. Which by reaſon of its [••]cellency, is called by many other [•]ames.

Aph. 3. And was firſt invented by [••]e Alchemus, as ſome think.

Aph. 4. And in all times hath bee[•] ſo highly eſteemed by Philoſophers, by reaſon of its great Utility.

Aph. 5. That the Adepti being moved with Pity, would not altogether conceal it.

Aph. 6. Nevertheleſs, they hav[•] delivered it but confuſedly, enigmatically, and under Allegories.

Aph. 7. Leſt it ſhould fall into the hands of the unworthy.

Aph. 8. But that it ſhould be known to its own Sons only.

Aph. 9. With which Sophiſters ſhould have no Commerce.

Aph. 10. Wherefore this Scienc[•] is the Gift of God, which he beſtoweth on whom he pleaſeth.

Aph. 11. Either by the Revelatio[•] of a faithful Friend; or by illuminating the Underſtanding of the Enquirer.

Aph. 12. Who ſeeketh it by Prayer, diligent Reading, profound Medtation, and aſſiduous Labour.

Aph. 13. Therefore it behovet the Studious of this Art, to be of a [•]ure heart, intire manners, ſtedfaſt to his purpoſe, and a Religious keeper of Secrets.

Aph. 14. And moreover, that he be indowed with a good Wit, health of Body, and a plentiful Fortune.

Aph. 15. Becauſe this Art requireth the whole Man, being found out, poſſeſſeth him, and being once poſſeſſed, freeth him from every long and ſerious buſineſs, cauſing him to diſregard all other things, and to repute them as forreign and ſtrange.

Aph. 16. The parts of Alchym[•] are two, viz. The Theory, and the Practice.

Aph. 17. For, ſeeing that Art can do nothing about Metals, except it imitate Nature;

Aph. 18. It is neceſſary that the Knowledge of Nature ſhould precede the Knowledge of Art.

Aph. 19. Alchymy therefore, in reſpect of the Theory, is a Science [〈◊〉] hereby the Beginnings, Cauſes, Properties and Paſſions of all the Metals, are radically known; that thoſe which are imperfect, incompleat, mixt and corrupt, may be tranſmuted into true Gold.

Aph. 20. Seeing that the final cauſe in Phyſick co-incideth with the form, the Principles and Cauſes of Metals are their matter, form, and efficient cauſe.

Aph. 21. The Matter of Metals is either remote or proximate.

Aph. 22. The Remote is the Rayes of the Sun and Moon, by whoſe Concourſe all Natural Compounds are produced.

Aph. 23. The Proximate is Sulphur and Argent vive, or the Rayes of the Sun and Moon determined to a Metallick Production, under the form of a certain humid, unctions, and viſcous Subſtance.

Aph. 24. In the Union of this Sulphur, and Argent-Vive, conſiſteth the form of Metals.

Aph. 25. The which, ſeeing that it is various, according to the various manner of the mixture, and the degree of Decoction, hence ariſe various Metals.

Aph. 26. Nature only effecteth this Union in the bowels of the Earth, by a temperate heat.

Aph. 27. From the Union of this Water immediately flow forth two Properties or Paſſions, common to all the Metals, viz. Fuſibility and Extenſibility.

Aph. 28. The Cauſes of a Metallick Fuſibi[•]ity are, Argent-vive, as well fixed as volatile; and a volatile Sulphur not fixed.

Aph. 29. The cauſe of Extenſibility is the viſcouſity or toughneſs of Argent-vive, whether fixed or volatile.

Aph. 30. Metals therefore are Mineral Bodies, of a cloſe and compact ſubſtance, and of a very ſtrong Compoſition; fuſible, and extenſible under the Hammer, from every Dimenſion.

Aph. 31. Which are commonly reckoned ſix, viz. Gold, Silver, Tin, Lead, Copper, and Iron.

Aph. 32. Of theſe, two are perfect; viz. Gold and Silver.

Aph. 33. The other four are imperfect.

Aph. 34. Of which, two are ſoft; viz. Tin and Lead;

Aph. 35. And two hard; viz. Copper and Iron.

Aph. 36. The Perfection of Metals conſiſteth in the abundance of Argent-vive, and the Uniformity of the Subſtance, or perfect union of the principles, which is performed by a long and temperate Decoction.

Aph. 37. Hence ſlow various Properties or Paſſions, by which the perfect Metals are diſtinguiſhed from the imperfect.

Aph. 38. Of which, the firſt is, That the perfect Metals eaſily receive Argent-vive, but refuſe Sulphur.

Aph. 39. The ſecond is, that they are not burnt, nor inflamed, but ſuffer the Examen of the Cupel, and of the Cement; or, at leaſt, of the former.

Aph. 40. The third is, that the parts of which they conſiſt, to wit, the moiſt and dry, cannot be diſſipated, ſevered, or broken by the Fire, which diſſolveth all things.

Aph. 41. The fourth is, that they ſuffer the greateſt Extenſion of all the Metals.

Aph. 42. The fifth is, that they are the heavieſt of all the Metals, Lead only excepted, in reſpect of Silver.

Aph. 43. The ſixth is, that being heat fiery hot, they ſend forth a Sky-colour or Coeleſtial Splendor; neither are they melted before they have been ſome time fiery hot.

Aph. 44. The ſeventh is, that they never contract Ruſt.

Aph. 45. The Imperfection of Metals conſiſteth in the abundance of Sulphur, and the nonconformity of the Subſtance; or in the imperfect mixture of the Principles, by too ſhort, or a ſudden and intemperate Decoction.

Aph. 46. By ſo many Properties or Paſſions as ſlow from the Water, the form of the imperfect Metals is plainly diverſe from the Properties of the perfect Metals.

Aph. 47. The firſt of which is, that the imperfect Metals eaſily admit Sulphur, but not Mercury; except ſo far forth as they differ but little from it, by reaſon of their imperfect Coagulation; of which ſort are Tin and Lead.

Aph. 48. The ſecond is, that they are burnt and inflamed: Nor do they endure the tryal of the Cupell and Cement.

Aph. 49. The third is, that their Eſſential parts (viz. the moiſt and the dry) are diſſipated and ſeparated by the Fire.

Aph. 50. The fourth is, that they are leſs extenſible than the perfect Metals.

Aph. 51. The fifth is, that they are lighter than the perfect Metals, Lead only excepted in reſpect of Silver.

Aph. 52. The ſixth is, that being heat fiery hot, they either contract a blackneſs, or a ſhining whiteneſs; and are either melted before they come to be red hot, or afterwards ſlower than the perfect Metals.

Aph. 53. The ſeventh is, that they contract Ruſt.

Aph. 54. Gold is a Metal moſt perfectly digeſted, of a yellow colour, mute, and ſhining; the heavieſt of all the Metals, ſuſtaining the tryal of the Cupel and Cement.

Aph. 55. Silver is a Metal leſs perfect than Gold, but more perfect than the reſt of the Metals; digeſted, of a pure whiteneſs, clean, ſounding, and abiding the Cupel.

Aph. 56. Tin is a ſoft Metal, imperfectly digeſted, white, ſhining with a certain Blewneſs, ſomewhat ſounding, and is the lighteſt of all the Metals.

Aph. 57. Lead is a ſoft Metal, imperfectly digeſted, livid, mute, and heavy.

Aph. 58. Copper is a hard Metal imperfectly digeſted, of an obſcure redneſs, livid, and ſounding.

Aph. 59. Iron is a hard Metal, imperfectly digeſted, of an impure whiteneſs, livid, and growing black, and ſounding much.

Aph. 60. All the Metals therefore are of the ſame Original, and ariſe from the ſame Principles.

Aph. 61. Neither do they differ among themſelves, except in the quantity and quality of their Principles, and their mixture, according to the various degree° of their Coction.

Aph. 62. Whence it followeth, that the imperfect Metals have a Diſpoſition of receiving the form of the perfect metals.

Aph. 63. Provided they be freed from their Sulphurous and Hetrogeneous parts, which are the cauſes of their imperfection, by a perfect Decoction.

Aph. 64. Either by Nature alone, in the Bowels of the Earth, in proceſs of time.

Aph. 65. Or by the ſame Nature, in an Inſtant above the Earth, by the help of Art.

Aph. 66. By the projecting of a Medicine, which in a moment penetrateth and tingeth, the imperfect Metals being melted, and Argent-vive being made hot.

Aph. 67. Which tranſmutation of the imperfect Metals, into perfect; that it is not only poſſible,

Aph. 68. But alſo true;

Aph. 69. Is confirmed by the common opinion of Philoſophers, and by Experience.

Aph. 70. And therefore the Stone or Medicine of Philoſophers, by which this Tranſmutation is made, ought to have in it ſelf the form of common Gold or Silver.

Aph. 71. For if it ſhould want that, it could not actually introduce it.

Aph. 72. Every natural Compound is diſtinguiſhed from other natural Compounds, by its own particular form, being really and actually diſtinct from all other forms of divers natural Compounds.

Aph. 73. Hence, among all Subſtances which are determined in one of the three Families of Nature, to wit, the Vegitable, Animal, and Mineral; there is nothing found but common Gold, which actually containeth in it ſelf the form, qualities, accidents, ſignatures and properties of common Gold.

Aph. 74. Wherefore common Gold only will be the only Subject, from which the form of Gold ought to be taken, for the Compoſition of the Stone of Phyloſophers.

Aph. 75. Common Gold is only ſimply perfected by Nature; that is, it hath no greater perfection than it ſelf wanteth, as it is Gold.

Aph. 76. And therefore cannot communicate its perfection to other imperfect Metals.

Aph. 77. Therefore if we labour in that, that common Gold ſhould introduce the form of common Gold into the imperfect Metals, for their perfection, it is altogether neceſſary, that the common Gold ſhould be made more than perfect; that is, that it acquire more Aureity and Vertue, than is required for the ſingle perfection of common Gold.

Aph. 78. No natural Compound can be made more perfect, unleſs it be again ſubjected to the Operations of Nature.

Aph. 79. And as often as it is ſubjected to thoſe, ſo often it acquireth a more perfect form in its Species.

Aph. 80. Which, that it may be done, it is neceſſary, to reſolve it into a matter like to that, of which Nature hath moſt nearly produced it.

Aph. 81. For naturally, there is no new Generation made, without a previous Corruption.

Aph. 82. And ſeeing that common Gold, as we ſaid above, hath its neareſt riſe from an unctious and viſcous Humidity,

Aph. 83. It is manifeſt, that it cannot not be made more than perfect, except it be firſt reſolved into ſuch its firſt matter.

Aph. 84. Every natural Agent aſſimilateth to it ſelf the Patient, either in ſubſtance, or in quality.

Aph. 85. Therefore, to reſolve common Gold into a humid, unctious and viſcous ſubſtance, there is required an humid, unctious, and viſcous Agent.

Aph. 86. Not any one, but one that is homogeneous, and of the ſame Nature with Gold:

Aph. 87. Such a one as hath eminently the form of Gold, or may obtain it by a new Specification and Determination, when it particularly inſinuateth it ſelf into common Gold.

Aph. 88. For, ſeeing that it ought naturally and radically to mix it ſelf with the Principles of Gold, and to penetrate the Gold through every the leaſt part of it, ſo that after the mixtion, no ſeparation can ever be made;

Aph. 89. After which manner, things heterogeneous can never unite themſelves.

Aph. 90. And moreover, that it be more ſubtile, more active and ſpiritual than common Gold; and therefore the firſt matter of Gold;

Aph. 91. Seeing that nothing can be naturally diſſolved, but in that, and by that, of which it is compounded.

Aph. 92. Whence we conclude, that no Vegitable, Animal, or Mineral Subſtances, which are not of a Metallick Nature, (ſuch are Stones and Salts) by any Artifice of Depuration, or Preparation, or Subtilty whatſoever, can make Common Gold more than Perfect.

Aph. 93. Neither alſo Metallick Spirits, which are not of the nature of Gold; ſuch are Sulphur, and Arſnick, and other leſſer or middle Minerals, which are any way compounded of thoſe, although they are more ſubtile, and more active than Gold.

Aph. 94. For, ſeeing that it is ſpoyled of every Sulphur, therefore it doth not admit the ſaid Spirits.

Aph. 95. Although the Vertue and Efficacy of Mineral Spirits be ſo great in the Kingdom of Metals, that they cannot be altered, but by thoſe only.

Aph. 96. Therefore that common Gold, by its reſolution, may be made more than perfect, to the end, that it may bring the imperfect Metals to perfection; it is highly neceſſary to have recourſe to a Metallick Spirit which is of the ſame nature with Gold, and therefore can unite it ſelf with it.

Aph. 97. But ſeeing that, from what hath been already ſaid, that common Gold is nothing elſe but a pure Argent-Vive, perfectly digeſted by Nature in the Mines of the Earth.

Aph. 98. It followeth, that it is to be diſſolved and rendred more than perfect, by no Spirit, but by Argent-Vive alone, crude and indigeſted.

Aph. 99. But not the common Argent-Vine, nor that of Bodies, which is drawn from Metals,

Aph. 100. Although Gold hath a [•]reat friendſhip with thoſe Argent-vives.

Aph. 101. [For thoſe, ſeeing that they come very near to the Nature of Gold,

Aph. 102. They are the only Subject of a Paſſive Tranſmutation.

Aph. 103. In which Nature hath ceaſed to operate equally as in Gold.

Aph. 104. Therefore ſeeing they are not the firſt matter of Gold,

Aph. 105. They cannot act upon it.]

Aph. 106. But by the Argent-vive of Phyloſophers; to wit, that unctious and viſcous natural Humidity only, which is the root of all the Metals.

Aph. 107. Which Metallick ſeed, ſeeing that it is no where obvious to our Senſes in Mines;

Aph. 108. And to create a Seed is not in the power of man, but of God only:

Aph. 109. From what hath been ſaid, it is neceſſarily inferred, that there ought to be ſome Mineral afforded, which may furniſh us with this Mercury of Phyloſophers.

Aph. 110. Which, ſeeing that according to the Premiſes, it ought to augment the Tincture, Fuſibility, and Penetration of Gold;

Aph. 111. And among Minerals there is none found which can perfect the colour of pale Gold, and facilitate its Flux, and render it more penetrating, but Antimony only.

Aph. 112. Therefore that appeareth to be the only Mineral, of which, and by which, the ſaid Mercury may be obtained.

Aph. 113. For, ſeeing that Antimony cannot communicate more Tincture to Gold, than the natural perfection of Gold requireth,

Aph. 114. And Gold, as hath been already ſaid, ought to be more perfectly Tinged by the Mercury of Phyloſophers.

Aph. 115. This Mercury cannot be had of Antimony alone;

Aph. 116. But by it, as a Medium, from other imperfect Metallick Bodies, which abound with the Tincture of Gold;

Aph. 117. Of which ſort there are found only two, to wit, Mars and Venus.

Aph. 118. Whence we conclude, That of Antimony, and by its help, of Mars alſo, and Venus, our Royal Menſtruum is to be elicited, by the work of Art and Nature.

Aph. 119. Antimony, Mars and Venus, conſiſt of Sulphur and Mercury.

Aph. 120. Sulphur, as we have ſaid, is averſe to the Nature of Gold, by reaſon of its unctuoſity, aduſtive and impure terreſtreity.

Aph. 121. Wherefore the ſaid matter of our Menſtruum, before all things, is to be purged from its combuſtible Sulphur,

Aph. 122. That only its Mercury may ſerve for our intention.

Aph. 123. This Mercury, without further Preparation, being projected upon Gold, doth not adhere to it with profit, but like other Mineral Spirits flyeth the force of the Fire, and leaveth the Gold unaltered, and unclean, or carrieth it up with it ſelf,

Aph. 124. By reaſon of its earthy, feculent and fugitive aquoſity, which is yet in it.

Aph. 125. Therefore, that of this Mercury, the Mercury of Phyloſophers, may be made, which can unite it ſelf with Gold, and render it more that perfect; it is altogether neceſſary, that it ſhould be depurated, and freed from its Feces.

Aph. 126. No natural Compound can be perfectly purged without its diſſolution.

Aph. 127. And every Diſſolution of a natural Compound, is terminated in the moiſture of which it was made.

Aph. 128. Therefore, ſeeing that [•]he matter of our Menſtruum is Me[•]allick;

Aph. 129. And therefore, as is manifeſt above, ariſeth from an unctious and viſcous humidity.

Aph. 130. It is required for its perfect Purgation, that it be reſolved into ſuch an unctious and viſcous humidity.

Aph. 131. This diſſolution of the matter, requireth its previous Calcination.

Aph. 132. For ſeeing that naturally no dry thing is diſſolved into a moiſt, except Salt, or that which by the force of fire hath contracted the like nature.

Aph. 133. Our matter is firſt to be calcined, that it may be rendred fit for ſolution.

Aph. 134. The total Diſſolution of no dry Body already diſſolved into a Liquor, can be perfected, or a diſ[••]ion of its Eſſential parts be made, [••]thout its putrefaction.

Aph. 135. Wherefore this ought to be done to the matter of our Menſtruum, for its compleat Depuration, equally as to Gold, for its plusquam perfection; as we have ſaid above.

Aph. 136. But every moiſt bod[•] is corrupted and putrified in a ligh[•] or gentle heat.

Aph. 137. Hence our matter being reſolved into a moiſt, viſcous, an[•] unctious Subſtance, is to be farther promoted and disjoyned by digeſtion▪

Aph. 138. That the ſubtile part[•] may be elevated from the groſs, an[•] the Pure from the Impure, by Subl[•]mation.

Aph. 139. For the perfecting thoſ[•] Operations, Nature affordeth us only two Mediums, viz. Fire and Water.

Aph. 140. The Combuſtible an[•] Volatile parts are ſeparated by Fire

Aph. 141. But the Earthy and Feculent by Water.

Aph. 142. In the ſaid Phyloſophic[•] Sublimation of the Mercury, and it[•] union with Gold, by various Solutions and Coagulations, the Practice of Alchymy conſiſteth;

Aph. 143. That thence may reſult [〈◊〉] Catho[•]ick Medicine, moſt potent in perfecting the imperfect Metals, and in reſtoring of all diſeaſy bodies whatſoever.

Aph. 144. Which Medicine is commonly called the Stone of Phyloſophers, becauſe it reſiſteth the Fire.

Aph. 145. And for other reaſons it is alſo called by other various Names.

Aph. 146. From the Premiſes, the Chymical Excellency is rightly defined, to conſiſt of Metallick Principles, exalted by various Phyloſophick Solutions and Coagulations, unto the higheſt degree of Perfection.

Aph. 147. For ſeeing that Nature alone in the Mineral Kingdom, proceedeth no further than the perfection of common Gold,

Aph. 148. It is to be aſſiſted by Art, that it may render it more than perfect.

Aph. 149. Therefore the Practice of Alchymy in general conſiſteth of two Operations; to wit, the preparation of the Mercury of Phyloſophers; and the Compoſition of the Elixir or Medicine.

Aph. 150. Which although the are not very difficult,

Aph. 151. Nevertheleſs, they ar[•] not alwaies without their perils an[•] ill ſucceſs.

Aph. 152. Not to be avoided, bu[•] by Induſtry, and an expert, couragiou[•] and prudent Artiſt.

Aph. 153. Nor do the ſaid Operations require any great Charge o[•] Coſt,

To the Lovers of Hermetick Studies.

ALL the Books of Phyloſophers, which treat of the abſtruſe Hermetick Medicine, are nothing but a Spagyrical Labyrinth, in which, for the moſt part, the Diſciples of Art fall into various Ambages and Deceits; ſo that even to this day, there are but very few who have found a true end. For if in this Labyrinth ſome eaſie Way hath ſhewed it ſelf to the Erring and Straying, which ſeemed to extricate and lead them out, preſently ſome impaſſable corners have occur[•]ed, which keep them in a perpetual Impriſonment. So, if in the Writings of Phyloſophers, manifeſt and eaſie Ways ſometimes offer themſelves, which at the [•]irſt ſight ſeem to the Searchers to be plain according to the Letter, preſently unwary Operators, being deceived by the open [•]ords of Phyloſophers, are involved in [•]nnumerable Deceits. To this may be added, That many Pſeudochymiſts deceive many by their ſpecious Frauds an[•] Cheats, diſperſing and ſelling up an[•] down lying Operations and Proceſſes, i[•] which they promiſe Golden Mountains [〈◊〉] the Credulous; ſowing Tares and bidding them expect Wheat. Wherefore I being moved with Compaſſion, have here offer[••] theſe Rules, which are full of Phyſic[•] Reaſons and Truth; in which you ha[••] the whole Art perſpicuouſly depicted, as [〈◊〉] a Writing-Table. Examin and wei[••] them throughly, fence your Opinion w[•] firm arguments, and then you cannot e[••] For he that without judgment believe[•] every Sophiſm, is willing to be deceived. [〈◊〉] The true Art is hidden under many Co[•]rings, by which the unwary are eaſily c[•]founded. Therefore, before you begin [〈◊〉] work, weigh well, and prudently conſi[••] the natural Cauſes of things; or elſe[•]ter not upon the matter. It is better [〈◊〉] imploy your time in diligent Meditat[••] and profound Judgment, than to under [〈◊〉] the Puniſhment of a fooliſh and inconſ[•]rate Temerity. — Farewell.

B. D. P.

Some Phyloſophick Rules or Canons, concerning the Stone of Phyloſophers.

What we ſeek, is either here, or no where.

Canon I.

THat which is neareſt to Perfection, is the more eaſily brought to Perfection.

2. Things Imperfect cannot by any Art put on Perfection, except they be firſt purged from their feculent Sulphur and earthy Groſſneſs, which is mixed with their Sulphur and Mercury; the which a perfect Medicine performeth.

3. To render the Imperfect fixt, without the Spirit and Sulphur of the Perfect, is altogether impoſſible.

4. The Heaven of Philoſophers reſolveth all the Metals into their firſt matter; that is, into Mercury.

5. He that endeavoureth to reduce Metals into Mercury, without the Philoſophick Heaven, or Metallick Aqua-vitae, or their Tartar, will be greatly miſtaken, becauſe the Impurity abounding in Mercury, from other Diſſolutions, is even diſcernable by the Eye.

6. Nothing is perfectly fixed, which cannot be inſeparably joyned with that which is fixed.

7. Fuſible Gold may be change[•] and turned into Blood.

8. To render Silver fixt, it is neither to be reſolved into Powder, o[•] Water, for that is radically to deſtroy it; but it ought neceſſarily to be reduced into Mercury.

9. Luna cannot be tranſmuted into Sol, except it return into running Mercury (but by the phyſical Tincture) the ſame is to be judged o[•] the other Metals.

10. The imperfect Bodies together with Luna are brought to perfection, and converted into pure Gold, if they be firſt reduced into Mercury; and that by a white or red Sulphur, by the vertue of an appropriate Fire.

11. Every imperfect Body is brought to perfection by its reduction into Mercury; and afterwards, by decocting with Sulphurs in an appropriate Fire: For of thoſe are generated Gold and Silver; and they are deceived, and labour in vain, who endeavour to make Gold and Silver after another manner.

12. The Sulphur of Mars is the beſt, which being joyned to the Sulphur of Gold, bringeth forth a certain Medicine.

13. No Gold is generated, but what was firſt Silver.

14. Nature compoundeth and cocteth her Minerals by a gradual proceſs; and ſo from one Root only procreateth all the Metals, even to the Ultimate end of Metals, which is Gold.

15. Mercury corrupteth Gold, reſolveth it into Mercury, and maketh it volatile.

16. The Stone is compounded of Sulphur and Mercury.

17. If the preparation of Mercuries be not taught by ſome skilful Artiſt, it is not to be learned by the reading of Books.

18. The preparation of Mercury for the Philoſophick Menſtruum, is called Mortification.

19. The Praxis of this great Work exceedeth the higheſt Arcanum of Nature; and except it be ſhewed by Divine Revelation, or the Work it ſelf, by an Artiſt, it is never obtained from Books.

20. Sulphur & Mercury are the matter of the Stone: therefore the knowledge of Mercuries is neceſſary, that a good Mercury may be taken, by which the Stone may be the ſooner perfected.

21. Indeed there is a certain mercury hidden in every Body, being fitted without other preparation; but the Art of Extracting it is very difficult.

22. Mercury cannot be converted into Sol or Luna, and fixed, but by a Compendium of the Abreviation of [•]he great Work.

23. To congeal, to fix, is one Work; of one thing only, in one Veſſel.

24. That which congealeth and fixeth Mercury, that alſo tingeth the ſame, in one and the ſame praxis.

25. The degrees of Fire to be obſerved in the Work, are four: In the firſt, the Mercury diſſolveth its own Body; in the ſecond, the Sulphur dryeth up the Mercury; in the third and fourth, the Mercury is fixed.

26. The matters being radically permixed in their profundity, through their moſt minute parts, are afterwards made inſeparable, as Snow mix'd with Water.

27. Divers Simples being put into putrefaction, produce divers others.

28. It is neceſſary, that the form and the matter be of the ſame Species.

29. An homogeneous Sulphur is of the ſame Mercurial nature, which produceth Gold and Silver; and this pure Sulphur is gold and ſilver, although not diſcernable by the Eye in that form, but inaſmuch as it i[•] diſſolved into Mercury.

30. There may be a certain fixed Unctuoſity extracted from gold, with out a Phyloſophick Diſſolution of the Gold into Mercury, which ſerveth inſtead of a ferment generating Sol and Luna; and that is performed by way of abreviating the Work, which Geber calleth Rebis.

31. The metals being reſolved into Mercury, are again reduced into a body, a ſmall quantity of the Ferment being admixed, otherwiſe they alwaies retain the form of Mercury.

32. The Heaven or Tartar of Philoſophers, which reduceth all the metals into Mercury, is the metalline Aqua-vitae of Phyloſophers, which [•]hey alſo call their diſſolute Feces.

33. Sulphur and Mercury conſiſt [•]n the ſame homogeneous nature.

34. The Stone of Phyloſophers is [•]othing but gold and ſilver, endow'd [•]ith an Excellency and more than [•]erfect Tincture.

35. Sol and Luna, in their own [•]roper ſpecies, have no more than that is ſufficient for themſelves, [•]hich it behoveth to reduce into the [•]ature and power of a Ferment, by [•]reparation, and to digeſt, whereby [•]he maſs may be multiplied.

36. The chief Extremities in Mer[•]ury are two, viz. too much Crudi[•]y, and too exquiſite a Decoction.

The words in the Original are nimis exquiſita; but the word nimis, I [•]udge, ſhould have been minus; foraſ[•]huch as that agrees well with Crudi[•]y, no Crude ſubjected being well de[•]octed.]

37. Phyloſophers obſerve this for a maxime; that every dry thing whatſoever quickly drinketh up a moiſture of its own ſpecies.

38. The Calx of Luna being altered, haſtily drinketh up its own Mercury; the Phyloſophers Foundation of Minerals.

39. Sulphur is the Anima, but Mercury the matter.

40. Mercury is ſtayed or detained by the Sulphur of imperfect Bodies and is coagulated into an imperfect Body, and paſſeth into the ſame metallick ſpecies of the imperfect Body by whoſe ſulphur it was congealed and concreted.

41. To make Sol and Luna of the imperfect bodies, by ſulphur, is altogether impoſſible; for nothing ca[•] give or afford more than it hath.

42. The Mercury of all the Metals is their Feminine ſeed, and their Menſtruum, being brought ſo far by the Art of a good Operator: For by the projection of the great Work, it receiveth and paſſeth through the qualities of all the Metals, even unto Gold.

43. That a red Tincture may be elicited, the Mercury is to be animated with the Ferment of Sol only; but for the white, with the Ferment of Luna only.

44. The Work of Phyloſophers is perfected by a very eaſie Labour, and performed without great Coſts, and that at any time, and in any place whatſoever, and by all men, provided they have the true and ſufficient matter.

45. The Sulphurs of Sol and Luna ſtay or retain the ſpirits of their own ſpecies.

46. Sol and Luna are the true ſulphurs, ſperms, or Maſculine ſeeds of the Stone.

47. Every thing which hath a power of retaining and fixing, ought neceſſarily to be ſtable and permanent.

48. The Tincture which giveth perfection to the imperfect Metals, floweth from the Fountain of Sol and Luna.

49. Whoſoever take the Sulphur of Venus, are deceived.

50. There is nothing given to Venus by Nature, which is neceſſary to the great Spagyrick Work, or that can ſerve for the making of Sol and Luna.

51. Note, that Gold converted into Mercury, before its Conjunction with the Menſtruum, can be neither Anima, nor Ferment, nor Sulphur, nor doth it any way profit.

52. The Work being brought to the end, may be rendred fiery, by Reiteration.

53. In the Abreviation of the Work, the perfect bodies ought to be reduced into running Mercury, and a dry Water, whereby they may rightly receive a Ferment.

54. The Preparation of Mercury, which is performed by ſublimation, (being adhibited after revification) [•]s better than that which is done by Amalgamation.

55. The Anima cannot impreſs [•]he form, except the ſpirit Intervene, which is nothing elſe but the Sol tur[•]ed into Mercury.

56. Mercury receiveth the form [•]f Gold by the mediation of the Spi[•]it.

57. Sol being reſolved into Mer[•]ury, is the ſpirit and anima.

58. The Sulphur and Tincture of [•]hyloſophers deſign one and the ſame [•]erment.

59. The Mercury of the vulgar is [•]endred equal to all the Mercuries of [•]odies, and cometh very near to their [••]keneſs and nature.

60. A Ferment rendreth Mercury [•]ore ponderous.

61. If the common Mercury be not [•]nimated, or wanteth an anima, it [•]ffords nothing of moment, either to [•]he univerſal or particular Work.

62. Mercury being rightly mortified, is then impreſſed with an anima.

63. Sol may be prepared into a Ferment, ſo that one part may animate ten parts of common Mercury; but this Work hath no end.

64. The Mercury of the imperfect bodies ſtand in a medium between the common Mercury, and the Mercury of the perfect bodies; but the Art of extracting it, is very difficult.

65. Seeing that the common Mercury, by projection of the Stone, is changed into Sol or Luna, therefore it may aſcend higher, be exalted, and rendred equal to all the Mercuries of bodies.

66. Common Mercury animated, is a very great Arcanum.

67. The Mercuries of all Bodies are changed into Gold or Silver, by an Abreviation of the Work.

68. A moiſt and gentle heat is called by the Name of the Aegyptian Fire.

69. It is worthy to be noted, that Luna is not the mother of common ſilver, but a certain Mercury, endowed with the quality of the Coeleſtial Luna.

70. Metallick Luna is of a maſculine nature.

71. The Mercury of the vulgar, through coldneſs, putteth on the nature of a barren Woman.

72. The Mercuries of Semi-minerals reſemble the nature of Luna in likeneſs.

73. All things whatſoever are produced of Sol and Luna; to wit, of two ſubſtances,

74. Male and Female; that is, Sol and Mercury grow together into one

75. Common Mercury without Preparation, is remote from the Work.

76. Four of Mercury, and one of Sol; that is, of the ferment, Conſtitute a true matrimony of male and female.

77. The Solution is performed, when the Sol is reſolved into Mercury.

78. Without Putrefaction no Solution is perfected.

79. Putrefaction endureth, and extendeth it ſelf even to whiteneſs.

80. The great Secret is the mundification of the Spirit, whereby the Menſtruum is prepared, for by it the Gold is reſolved.

81. Mercury reſolveth Gold into a Water of its own form; that is, into a running Mercury, as it ſelf is.

82. Diſſolution is the beginning of Congelation.

83. Sol being converted into a running Mercury, remaineth in the ſame form for a little time.

84. The Ferment dryeth up the Mercury, and rendreth it more ponderous, retaineth and fixeth it.

85. The Sol of Phyloſophers is called their Fountain.

86. The matter is converted by the power of Putrefaction, into a Pultis or Lute, which is the beginning of Coagulation.

87. There is a certain Compendious way, by which the Sulphur is [•]aken from Sol and Luna, whereby [•]very Mercury may be fixed into gold and ſilver.

88. The matter ought never to be [•]emoved from the fire, nor ſuffered [•]o cool, otherwiſe the work will be [•]eſtroyed.

89. When the matter attaineth [•]he colour of blackneſs, then it is ne[•]eſſary to give the ſecond degree of [••]re.

90. The lotion or waſhing of Phi[•]oſophers, is a ſimilitude; for the fire [•]lone performeth and perfecteth all [•]hings.

91. The Venome and Fetor is taken away, without the addition of any thing, by the force of the Fire, which alone performeth all things.

92. The Fire, by its acute and penetrating Vertue, purgeth and cleanſeth an hundred times more than any water whatſoever.

93. In the generation and vegetation of any thing whatſoever, the heat being extinct, death preſently invadeth the growing matter.

94. The Spirit is heat.

95. The matter being brought to whiteneſs, cannot be corrupted and deſtroyed.

96. Every Corruption of matter is impreſſed with a deadly Venome.

97. The Glaſs or Veſſel is called the Mother.

98. The vertue of Sulphur is not extenſive beyond the term or limit of a certain proportion, neither can it exceed unto an infinite weight.

99. This queſtion is to be obſerved, Wherefore the Phyloſophers call their Menſtruum the matter of the ſtone?

100. Sulphur meriteth the name of the form, but the Menſtruum, of the matter.

101. The Menſtruum repreſenteth the leſſer and lower Elements, viz. Of Earth and Water; but Sulphur [••]e two ſuperiours, to wit, Fire and [••]ir, as a maſculine Agent.

102. If you ſhould break and Egg[••]ell, ſo that the Chicken ſhould come [••]t, it could never be hatched, nor [•]ome to perfection: In like manner, [〈◊〉] you open the Veſſel, and the mat[••]r ſhall feel the Air, you can per[••]rm nothing.

103. The Calcination which is [•]ade with Mercury, in a Furnace of [•]everberation, is better than others.

104. The Phyloſophers manners [〈◊〉] ſpeaking are ſtudiouſly to be noted, [••]r by ſublimation they underſtand [••]e diſſolutions of Bodies into Mer[••]ry by the firſt degree of Fire; the [••]cond Operation followeth, which is [••]e Inſpiſſation of the Mercury with [•]he Sulphur; the third is the Fixa[••]on of the Mercury into a perfect [•]nd abſolute body.

105. The number of thoſe which [•]rr, is infinite, who do not allow Mercury as it is in its own form, and [•]malgamated with the Calx of the perfect bodies, to be the ſubject and matter of the ſtone.

106. The white Medicine is brought to perfection in the third degree of Fire; and this degree is not to be exceeded in the preparation of the white Medicine; for if you do otherwiſe, you will deſtroy the wor[•] for the white.

107. The fourth degree of Fire bringeth forth the matter Red, where appeareth alſo divers colours.

108. The work after it hath attained the degree of whiteneſs, no[•] being carried on to a perfect redneſs, remaineth imperfect, not only for the white, but alſo for the red Tincture; therefore it is left dead till i[•] endeth in a perfect redneſs.

109. After the fifth degree of Fire to perfect it, the matter acquireth new Virtues.

110. The Work hath not attained perfection, except the Medicine ſhall be incerated, and rendred fuſible, like Wax.

111. The Work of Inceration is [•]erfected by a double or triple quan[•]ity of Mercury, to that which gave [•]he Stone its Original.

112. The Inceration of the white Medicine is performed by the white [•]ater, without the animation of the Mercury by Luna, but the Inceration [•]f the red Tincture is done with Mer[•]ury animated with Sol.

113. It ſufficeth, that the matter [•]fter Inceration remain like a Pultis [•]r Paſte.

114. Repeat the Inceration till it will bear a perfect Proof.

115. If the Mercury with which [•]he Medicine is incerated, being con[•]erted into Fume, ſhall fly away, it [•]vaileth nothing; wherefore do not manage it ill, for the matter by that means will go backward.

116. The medicine being rightly [•]ncerated, will explain to thee that Enigma, of the King returning from the Fountain.

117. Sol being reduced into his firſt Water or Mercury, if he ſhal[•] be refrigerated or cooled by the help of common Mercury, the work periſheth.

118. Phyloſophers take the matter prepared and cocted by Nature and reduce it into its Prima materia; foraſmuch as every thing returneth into that from which it hath its Original, even as ſnow is reſolved inſeparably in water.

119. The wiſe men reduce year[•] into months, months into weeks, and weeks into days.

120. The firſt decoction of Mercury which Nature performeth, i[•] the only Cauſe of its own ſingl[•] perfection, beyond which it canno[•] aſcend of it ſelf; for it behoveth to help its ſimplicity, by ſowing ou[•] Gold in its proper Earth, which i[•] nothing elſe but a pure Mercury which Nature hath a little, but no[•] perfectly digeſted.

121. But in the ſecond decoction of Mercury, beſides the firſt of Nature, the vertue of the Mercury is multiplied ten-fold.

122. And the Stone is made of Mercury by reiterating the Decoction, Sol being admixed, for by this means the male as well as the female are twice decocted.

123. Sol ought to be put to Mercury, that he may be diſſolved into Sulphur, and then cocted into the ſtone of Phyloſophers.

124. Every Phyloſopher in all times contemplated Mercury, when nevertheleſs he neither knew nor underſtood it.

125. Every Mercury of whatſoever Original, being rightly taken in a due manner, exhibiteth the matter of the ſtone.

126. Every thing from which Mercury may be elicited, is the ſubject of the Phyloſophick medicine.

127. Whoſoever taketh or underſtandeth the writings of Phyloſophers, according to the Letter, is grievouſly deceived, when they affirm their Mercury to be one.

128. One Mercury exceedeth another, in a greater heat, dryneſs, decoction, purity and perfection, which ought to be prepared without the corruption and loſs of its form, and to be purged from all its ſuperfluities, in which the treaſure and ſecret of the ſtone conſiſteth.

129. If the preparation of common Mercury were known to the ſtudious of Phyloſophy,^[1] they would have no need to ſearch after any other Mercury of Phyloſophers, nor another metallick and mercurial Aqua-vitae, nor another Water of the ſtone; becauſe the preparation of vulgar Mercury containeth all thoſe things in it ſelf.

130. Every Mercury of Metals and Minerals may by ſucceſſive degrees be cocted and exalted unto the quality of the Mercuries of all the other bodies, even to a ſolar body, and thence be deduced to the degree and vertue of what metallick body you pleaſe.

131. Common Mercury before a Legitimate Preparation, is not the Mercury of Phyloſophers, but after preparation, it is called by the name of the Mercury of Phyloſophers; containing in it ſelf the true way and method of extracting the Mercury from the other Metals: And it is the beginning of the greater Work.

132. Common Mercury being prepared, is taken for a metallick Aquavitae.

133. The paſſive Mercury and Menſtruum ought by no means to loſe the External form of Mercury.

134. Whoſoever uſeth ſublimate, or calcined, or precipitated Powder, inſtead of running Mercury, (for the Compleating the Work of Phyloſophers) erreth, and is wholly deceived.

135. Whoſoever reſolveth Mercury into a clear water, for the perfecting of the Phyloſophick Work, erreth grievouſly.

136. To compoſe or make Mercury of a Limpid water, is in the power of none but Nature.

137. In the great Phyſical Work, it is neceſſarily required, that the crude Mercury ſhould reſolve the Gold into Mercury.

138. If the Mercury be reduced into water, it diſſolveth the Gold into water: And in the work of the Stone it is highly neceſſary, that the Gold ſhould be diſſolved into Mercury.

139. The Sperm and the Menſtruum ought to have the ſame external form.

140. It is the Doctrine of Phyloſophers, that it is neceſſary for us to irritate or ſtir up Nature; therefore if the Menſtruum be dry, it will be in vain to hope for a Solution.

141. The ſeed of the Stone ought to be taken in a form like and near to the metals, and which cometh very near to metals.

142. It is highly neceſſary to take a ſeed of the Phyloſophick Medicine, which reſembleth common Mercury.

143. It is the ſecret of all ſecrets, to know the Mercury and matter to be the Menſtruum of the Stone, and the Mercury of the perfect Bodies to be the form.

144. Mercury by it ſelf only, affords nothing of moment to generation.

145. Mercury is the Element of Earth, in which the Grain of Gold ought to be ſowed.

146. The ſeed of Gold is not only put into a multiplication of its quantity, but alſo of its vertue.

147. A perfect Mercury requireth a female for the work of generation.

148. Every Mercury ariſeth from and partaketh of two Elements; the crude of Water and Earth, that which is concocted of Fire and Air.

149. If any man would prepare and exalt Mercury into a Metal, let him add a little Ferment to it, that it may be exalted to ſuch a metallick degree as he would have it.

150. The great Arcanum of the whole Work is the Phyſical Diſſolution into Mercury, and reduction into the firſt matter.

151. The Diſſolution of Sol ought to be perfected by Nature, not by the work of the Hands.

152. When Sol is conjoyned or married to its Mercury, it will be in the form of Sol, but the greater Preparation will be in the Calx.

153. It is a Queſtion among the Wiſe, Whether the Mercury of Luna, being conjoyned with the Mercury of Sol, may be taken inſtead of the Phyloſophick Menſtruum.

154. The Mercury of Luna is of a maſculine nature, but two males can no more generate than two females.

155. The Elixir conſiſteth in this, that it be elicited and choſen from a moſt pure Mercury.

156. He that deſireth to operate, let him work in the Solution and Sublimation of the two Luminaries.

157. Gold giveth a golden colour; Silver a Silver colour; but he that knoweth how to tinge Mercury with Sol or Luna, hath arrived to a great Arcanum.

FINIS.

HEre thou haſt (friendly Reader) thoſe Phyloſophick Canons, without which, whoſoever thou art, thou wilt hardly attain thy wiſhed End: If thou receive theſe Hermetick Fundamentals with a grateful mind, and exerciſe thy Self in this Theory with a pious Meditation, time may hereafter bring forth the Praxis of thoſe Rules, not that imperfect or maimed one, which I have ſhewed to ſome, but Intire and Compleat, confirmed by many Arguments, and ſolid Reaſons. In the mean time,

Farewel.

POST-SCRIPT TO THE READER.

WHereas I have Lately publiſhed Propoſals for the Printing of all the Works of that indefatigable and highly-experienced Chymiſt, Glauber, in one entire Folio. And, whereas there are divers of his Treatiſes in the German Tongue, which never were printed in Latin, which I had not by me at the time of publiſhing the ſaid Propoſals and Specimen; ſo that I could not inſert their Title Pages in the Specimen, as I did of the rest. Now, having obtained the ſaid German Treatiſes, and procured them to be tranſlated by a fit and able Hand, I have thought good (having this opportunity) to inſert them at the end of this little Book; Firſt, that all the Lovers of Chymiſtry may know what to expect more than the 44 Treatiſes, whoſe Titles are in the Specimen; and ſecondly, foraſmuch as Glauber wrote thoſe laſt in his later days, when he had arrived to a great Experience of Things, and was willing to be more Open and Plain than in his former Writings; thoſe Laſt Pieces of his ſeem to be of another ſtrain, and to teach many things very openly, which the Adepts have either wholly concealed, or at the leaſt have delivered ſo abſtruſely, that very few have been able to underſtand them; So that, if I miſtake not, that Theory of the Hermetick Medicine, which is contained in the 153 Aphoriſms very regularly, though conciſely, may, without much difficulty, be put into Practice by the aſſiſtance of ſome of the following Treatiſes. That Glauber before his death was Maſter of ſome Phyloſophick ſecrets, I verily believe by his manner of Writing; and himſelf profeſſeth in one of his laſt Writings, ſpeaking concerning the ſecret Fire of Artephius, That he could now, ſitting ſtill in his Chamber, do more with an Egg-ſhell, than heretofore with all his Furnaces and Glaſſes. But, to detain the Reader no longer, the Treatiſes I ſpeak of are entituled as followeth.

I. The Third Century,

Containing the Diſcovery of many Chymical Secrets.

II. The Fourth Century,

Shews 1. How to extract Gold out of Granats. 2. To make the Mercury of Wine. 3. To make the Mercury of Metals. What the Anima of the greater and leſſer World is. That all ſuperfluous Egeſtions of Nature, afford a volatile Salt.

To ſeparate Gold from Silver on a Cupel.

A Tincture out of Metals.

The Tincture of Gold and Sulphur.

To make Gold red.

A Cement to graduate ♀ into ☉.

To dulcifie all Corroſives.

Sal Mirabile, or a ſweet graduating Spirit, uſeful for the exalting of Metals.

The Phyloſophick Work.

Sulphur, the father of all Metals.

The Univerſal Coagulater is a Sulphur.

Demagorgon is the Grandfather of all things.

The Vital Spirit and Radical moiſture is the Life and Growth of all men.

III. The Fifth Century

Sheweth the greateſt Particular, and the cheapeſt Univerſal.

IV. Of Elias the Artiſt.

Or who this Elias the Artiſt is, and what he is to reform or amend in the World when he comes, viz. The true Spagyrick Medicine of the ancient Aegyptian Phyloſophers, which hath been loſt for a Thouſand years, and which he will again reſtore, renew the ſame, and gloriouſly illuſtrate it with many New Inventions, lay aſide much ſmoaky working, and ſhew to the preſent erring World a nearer and better way, by which with more eaſe and leſs Charges than hitherto, good Medicines may be obtained.

V. The Second Appendix to the Seventh part of the Pharmacop. Spagyrica.

In which is handled the further Uſe of the Secret Sal-Armoniack, for the meliorating of the meaner Metals, and eſpecially of the profitable extracting or ſeparating of Gold out of Silver and Tin; with an Information ſubjoyned, how by the means of the mercurial Water of Tin, the Tinctures may be extracted in quantity not only from Gold, but alſo from Mars and Venus; and precious as well as Common ſtones; and that, as it were, in a moment, without Fire or Charges.

VI. The Third Appendix to the Seventh part of the Pharmacop. Spagyrica.

In which is treated of the yet-further Uſe of our Wonder-working Alcaheſt, or moſt ſecret Sal-Armoniack, and in particular, how the Tinctures may be extracted out of Sol, Mars, and Venus, and out of all Precious and Common Stones; and how the ſaid Colours may again be introduced into other white Metals and Stones, in order to colour the ſame permanently, and meliorate them.

VII. Of the Animal Stone.

Wherein is demonſtrated, That there is a Mineral Vertue hid in all things, and particularly in all Animals whatſoever, but moſt of all in man; and that conſequently the ſtone of Phyloſophers may be prepared of them.

To which is added, the way of fixing Mercury by means of the natural ſuperfluities and Excrements of Animals, in order to the obtaining a true Phyloſophical Tincture.

VIII. Of the Three Secret Fire-Stones.

Or, the three moſt Noble ſtones generated by three ſecret Fires. And,

Firſt, Of the Stone of Phyloſophers, which is prepared by the ſecrot Fire of the Wiſe.

Secondly, The upper and lower Thunder-ſtone, how they are generated above by the Meteorological Fire, and below by the ſecret Artificial Fire. And,

Thirdly, How the Lapis Ignis, or Fire-ſtone of Baſil-Valentine, is to be prepared out of Antimony by Art. And how thoſe three moſt Noble Stones of the World are to be uſed in Medicine and Alchy my.

IX. The Purgatory of Phyloſophers.

Or, A Treatiſe concerning the Purifying Fire of the wiſe men; with which the Phyloſophers cleanſe their Mineral, Vegetable, and Animal ſubjects, and exalt them to the higheſt degree of Purity, in order to prepare Ʋniverſal Medicaments from them, for the Bodies of Men & Metals.

Which Purgatory Fire is called by the ancient Phyloſophers Yſopaica, that is to ſay, the Art of waſhing by Fire.

Together with a ſubjoyned inſtruction, how by means of the Salt of the World, out of all Metals and Minerals, a living Mercury may be prepared in quantity.

X. Of the Secret Fire of Phyloſophers.

By which they not only brought to maturity their Univerſal Medicine, but alſo fixed particularly all the Inferiour Metals, into good Gold and Silver, with great profit.

XI. A ſhort Expoſition upon the Helliſh Goddeſs Proſerpina, the Wife of Pluto, viz.

What the Heatheniſh Phyloſophick Poets, as Ovid and Virgil, &c. underſtood thereby. And how by the help of this Proſerpina, the Animae or ſouls of the mortified metal-lick Bodies are carried out of the Chymical Hell into the Phyloſophick Heaven.

Theſe are the Treatiſes of which I could not give a particular Account in the Specimen, and which being added to thoſe there exhibited, make in all 55 Treatiſes, which will amount to a large Volume in Folio, in which are alſo many Cutts; which is all ready for the Preſs, and wants nothing but a ſufficient number of Subſcribers to give it Breath in the Engliſh Air. I have ſpared neither Pains nor Coſt to ſerve my Country in this Work; and I hope there will not be wanting ſo many Generous Souls, who will concur with me (by ſubſcribing to it) to render it effectual.

The Terms of Subſcription are as followeth.

THat whoſoever ſhall pay to Chriſtopher Pack, at the ſign of the Globe in the Poſtern-ſtreet, near Moorgate; or to William Cooper, at the Pelican in Little-Britain, Bookſeller; or to Dorman Newman at the Kings-Arms in the Poultry, Bookſeller; the ſum of Twenty ſhillings, in manner following, ſhall have one Compleat Book in Quires, viz. Ten ſhillings in hand, and Ten ſhillings more upon the delivery of the ſaid Book, which is intended to be publiſhed in Trinity-Term next. And for the Encouragement of thoſe who ſhall ſubſcribe for ſix Books, they ſhall have one Book, when printed, preſented them Gratis.

The Specimen may be had at any of the three places above-mentioned, as alſo of divers Bookſellers in and about London.

Advertiſement.

MYographia Nova ſive Muſculorum omnium (in Corpore Humano hactenus repertorum) accuratiſſima Deſcriptio, in ſex Proelectiones Diſtributa. Nomina ſingulorum in ſuo quaeque Loco, ſituque Naturali, in Aeneis Muſculorum Iconibus exarantur: Eorum item Origines, Inſertiones, & uſus, Graphice deſcribuntur, additis inſuper ipſius Authoris, & aliorum Nuperrimis Obſervationibus & Inventis.

Opera & ſtudio Joannis Browne, Sereniſſimi Caroli ſecundi, Britanniarum Regis, nec-non Noſocomii Regalis, quod eſt ad D. Thomae, Chirurgi Ordinarii.

Marginal notes

1. Nota bene. ↩