A BRIEF ANSWER OF JOSEPHUS QVERCETANUS ARMENIAcus, Doctor of Physic, to the exposition of jacobus Aubertus Vindonis, concerning the original, and causes of Metals. Set forth against Chemists.  
❧ Another exquisite and plain Treatise of the same Josephus, concerning the Spagericall preparations, and use of mineral, animal, and vegetable Medicines.  
Whereunto is added divers rare secrets, not heretofore known of many. By john Hester, practitioner in the Spagericall Arte.  
At London, Printed Anno. Dom. 1591.   

conceal or fraudulently obscure, and with many fallacies and subtleties shadow and cover those things, which being plainly set down, might redound to a more general good then easily may be expressed. And howsoever this malicious suppressing, or sophisticate publishing of divers secrets, be general in many▪ Arts and knowledges, yet I think it is in no one thing more common then in the Spagericall Arte. In the which Art, after I had bestowed many years study and travail, I freely imparted to my Countrymen at divers times heretofore, such secrets as by often reading in the best Authors of the same Art, or by many experiments of my great labour and charge, I have found out most certain and without deceit. And now under your worship's favourable protection, I offer to my Countrimens' friendly acceptance the Spagericall practices of josephus Quercetanus, augmented with divers rare secrets not commonly known, all which I doubt not, will with more favour be received in general, if they may be graciously shadowed and defended under your worshipful name, whose prosperous success in all your honourable and virtuous attempts & actions, with a most devote affection, I do most earnestly wish.  
Your dutiful Servant, john Hester.   

❧ To the gentle Reader.  
EXperientia stultorum gubernatrix, is with some held as a Proverb authentic: but in mine opinion, (friendly Reader) they are most fools that want it. For without it howsoever otherwise well read, a man can say no more in Arts then the great travailer, (who in some few days, having coasted the world in a Card-makers shop) can discourse directly either of this or that, but must be feign if fault be found, to confess his own ignorance, and blame the Maps falseness; yet as we have with us a custom, when we hear things incredible spoken from a far, to say, it is better believing it, then going thither to disprove it: so are there many, yea the most, which will not stick to talk most, that least of all adventure in this perilous passage to Science, and yet the only directed path called experience: for besides the daily cares, nightly watchings, external wounds, internal woes, deforming of members, disquieting of mind, debility of senses, and loss of sight, with infinite other encumbrances, which lie as Adders in his way that treads this walk, he shall on each hand be terrified with Legions of lying Spirits, deluding flatterers, of tame beasts by the Philosopher held the most devouring, and injurious slanders of wild beasts, the most implacable, self trial hath taught me this since I first undertook to search the secrets of earths flowing bounty, and her Mineral veins, I have suffered all the unpleasant sharpness that experiences paths yields, and endured every envy that malice could devise: yet the end I hope for, being the benefit of this Weal public, in which I live, a willing, (though unworthy member) animates me in despite of envy, to profess the never dying labours of my overwearied powers, to those that are willing to buy, (for nothing in a manner) what I have obtained with my precious life. O the God that rewardeth all things, & will in my Redeemer, accept (I doubt not) of my intent, hath secretly summoned my soul to discharge the fruits of her experience.  
I have translated this ensuing work, and written these present lines for thy good (gentle Reader.) On these flowers let no Spider presume, for they are full of virtue, that makes envy mute. They are free gifts, and should be gratefully accepted, the best intend the best, the worst I writ not for.  
Such faults gentle Reader, as by unskilfulness of the Printer in this argument, and want of my continual presence in the printing, which are in any place to be found, I pray thee courteously to pardon, and friendly to correct.   

A BRIEF ANSWER OF josephus Quercitanus Armeniacus, Doctor of Physic, to the exposition of jacobus Aubertus Vindonis: Concerning the original and causes of Metals.  
ANOTHER EXQVISITE AND plain treatise of the same josephus, concerning the Spagericall preparation, and use of Mineral, Animal, and Vegetable medicines.  
AND FIRST AN ANSWER TO his slanderous Epistle, wherein he goeth about to overthrow certain medicines of those whom he calleth Paracelsians.  
MInding to answer the little book of Aubertus, concerning the original of metals, and their causes, although it be not greatly worthy of answer, yet I neither can, or may pass over this: greatly marveling at the rashness of those men which dare curse and condemn this art, approved by the authority of so many ancient and great men, especially Hermes▪ Trismegistus, Geber, Lullus, Arnoldus, Villanovanus, and our Avicen himself, Whose testimonies, confirmed with authority and arguments, yea and with practise itself, are of more weight, then that they should so easily be shaken of, with the slender reasons, & taunts of such men. But this truly I grant, that through the fault and deceits of some ignorant and wicked men, that the chemists are evil spoken of: but to condemn things for their abuse, specially of so great weight (as I know and defend this to be) truly it neither can, or aught to be so. For it openeth unto us so many works of the almighty God, it layeth open so many secrets of nature, and preparations of herbs, beasts, and mineralies hitherto unknown, and showeth the uses almost of all things, which were hidden and laid up in the bosom● of Nature, that they show themselves unkind toward man that would have this art buried.  
As touching Paracelsus, I have not taken upon me the defence of his divinity, neither did I ever think to agree with him in all points, as though I were sworn to his doctrine: but besides the testimony wherewith Erasmus adorneth him in certain Epistles, I dare be bold to say and defend, that he teacheth many things almost divinely, in Physic, which the thankful posterity can never commend and praise sufficientle: whereof I trust occasion shall be given to speak in another place. But that all men may know with what discretion (thou Aubertus) hast taken in hand to oppugn these things: go to, we will reason of those two points, which in the Preface of thy little book thou hast taken upon thee to handle. But thou art a man truly (as I percevie) of a very sharp wit. The one of thy points which thou handlest, is concerning Laudanum, accounted very perilous: the other of the burnt eyes of a crab, which you also think to be ridiculous.  
And first, because you think it not to be the Laudanum of Dioscorides, you demand what it should be. Learn then this of in, that this laudable medicine is so called of the Chemical Physicians, and that it doth plainly answer unto his name, if you call it Lawdanum. But you say it is made of Opium, Is that it that bringeth such a maze into your mind? Indeed Opium is put into it, but of a far better preparation than is commonly in use: not without the spirit of wine, or the infusion of Diambrae, by certain months, not without the essence of Safferon, Castoreum, corals, Pearls, Mumia, and the oils of C●namon, Cloves, Mace, and Anniseedes: of all which, being rightly mingled (as it is the manner of art) is made that most excellent medicine, to put away all unkind heats, to stay all fluxes, and to assuage in marvelous sort all manner of griefs: yet so, that it doth not extinguish the natural heat, but rather preserve and defend it by strengthening the spirits, much less that it doth benumb them, or take away the motions from the parts (which is ridicular to be spoken) but with a certain marvelous quality wherewith it excelleth, it helpeth the powers, as by the description of the foresaid things, and their due and not common preparation and mixture may easily be gathered.  
What will you say if I add more, that there is put into it the true essence of gold, which is so commended in old time, by the writings of learned Philosophers and Physicians? I believe you would laugh at this essence, which is unknown unto you, yet familiar unto many philosophers. But I affirm that gold to be a most temperate and effectual remedy to help the strength of nature, against melancholic affections, weak stomachs, passions of the heart, and such as be extremely sad.  
Truly you may worth lie believe, that there is much more force in his essence, then in your leaf gold. And this you will grant (my friend Aubertus) that there is greater force of secret qualities in that most fine gold, then in your broths sodden with gold. Neither yet do I think you do believe (for that were too absurd) that gold which cannot be wasted or burned with the heat of the fire, can be so digested or overcome by natural hear, but that it may by some mean strengthen the heart the substance remaining whole, when as the opinion of the Philosophers is this, that all earth is dead, and that it is only the spirits of things that can work in bodies. But Laudanum itself, although it be opiate, yet is it not so to be reprehended. For if it were not so corrected afore, it were very dangerous, & for his extreme coldness deadly, as the Paracelsians which are the followers of the true and ancient physic, do well understand. For neither doth any of them doubt, but that Opinm, to take away his venomous force, is corrected of many, only with safferon, castoreum and myrrh, which correction doth nothing hinder, but that it may be done with a better preparation: for Aloes also is washed, that it fret not the veins with his sharpness: and black Hellebore is made so commodious for use, with the spirit of wine, and oil of Anieseedes, (that you may learn also of the Chemic Physicians) that it may be safely given to children against the dropsy, and all melancholy affections. Therefore opiate medicines are not so rashly and unadvisedly to be condemned, of which are made sundry medicines to assuage the vehement pains of the colic, reins, pleurisies, and gouts: to provoke sleep, to ease the cough, to stop spitting of blood, and to stay all rheums, such as is that Philonium which is allowed of all ancient Physicians.  
Also opiate things are necessary in medicines that expel poison, Antidotes▪ to strengthen the principal parts, to withstand the malignity of any poison, and infinite other affects, as may be seen in that excellent treacle, described by Andromachus the elder, into which 3. ounces of Opium is put▪ Likewise in the fourth and last preparation of Mitridate, which Galen, Aetius, and other Greeks', have drawn from the ancient Physicians, Antipater and Cleophantus, whose qualities they have described to be most like unto the treacle. Peradventure you will except, that the composition of this our Laudanum, is not so temperate, as this composition of treacle. Therefore you should know it first before you reprehend it, which notwithstanding, both reason doth commend, and experience showeth to be very profitable. Which only medicine it were much better for you and such like to have, for the curing of many diseases, than those sundry decoctions of herbs, wherewith many are most miserably tormented. 
Plin. lib. 20 not hist. cap. 18.  Plinius writeth, that Licinius the father of Cecinna, killed himself with Opium, being weary of his life. But I am assured, that there can none be found that hath been hurt by the use of our Laudanum, which you notwithstanding falsely and shamelessly do write: yea many learned and godly men will avouch, that it is not without reason given, but with most happy success, and profit to the sick, in all manner of rheums, and to suage inflammations, and all other griefs aforesaid. The composition of which most excellent medicine, and the preparation described, which is unknown to you, and such as you are: I had put in print if your writings had not forced me to consider, whether it were expedient to cast pearls before every one to tread upon.  
Now I come to the other medicine, which you call a jest, and laugh because we minister the eyes of Crabs calcined, to those that are sick of a quartan: and specially because we prescribe for one dose. ʒ. i. ss. of this powder, and his mixture, for the cure of the quartan: and you conclude, that the whole Lacus Lemanus will scarce yield so many eyes of Crabs, which certainly is most true: for there be no crabs in that lake, but many Crevices, which you (my Aubert) have not well noted. For there be four kinds of those shell fishes, which the Greeks' call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. The one is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, a Locust. Another they call Gamarum, which Galen calleth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. The third 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, which they call Squilla. The fourth is the Crab, which the Greeks' call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ All these the learned know to be sundry kinds.  
The Astachi which you supposed to be Crabs, and of the Frenchmen are called Escrevises, are like unto Locusts, and do little or nothing differ, but only by a variety of certain foreparts and arms: for they have a long body, and a long tail, whereupon there are found five sins. Only the Crabs have a round body, and no tail, for they have little use of it, because they live near the earth, and creep into hollow places, & swim not much. But for your better understanding, you may consult with Aristotle, Pl●nie, and specially with Edward 
Plin. lib. na● hist. 6. cap. 71.  Wottonne in his tenth book of the difference of beasts, also the Commentaries of Matheolus upon Dioscorides, which altogether will teach you, that there is very great difference between the Astachum, whereof you undiscreetly speak, and the river or sea crab. But you will say, there is no great regard to be given unto words, and that these kinds of shell fish, for the most part, are confounded among themselves. Let it be so, this I would also speak by the way, because I see you do lack them, and that our disputation might be both more evident, you think it two ways absurd, that the eyes of crabs calcined, should be prescribed in a quartan, because that by their drith and sharpness they increase the disease. O subtle argument, and worthy of such a Physician. We are not ignorant (my Aubertus) that the continent cause or matter of the quartan ague, is the very juice of melancholy, which by his proper causes being gathered much together, that it cannot be ruled by the natural heat, at length putrifieng, it inflameth this fever. This melancholy humour the Physicians make double: the one natural, which is as the fex and slime of blood: the other adust, which is as it were, the congealed tartar or ashes of certain burnt h●mors: and that cometh specially of yellow collar, and melancholy adust, although sometime it come of burnt phlegm, if we credit the Arabians. Therefore seeing that the melancholic humour which is cold and dry, is the matter of these fevers, we will confess with you, the couse of them to be partly cold and dry: but that it is increase● by the use of all dry and sharp things, we deny as false. For whereas this humour by nature is gro●se, sh●●e and tough and that abounding specially in the spleen Mesenterium, and useth to be gathered about the Hipochondria or sides, and by success of time to be indurate: truel●e there is no learned Physician that doubteth, but that it is to be mollified, digested, rarefied, made thin, and cut: but those things which for this purpose are of least force, are mollifying, which the Greeks' call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and those which are o● a greater force, hot and thin, to the second o● third degree, are called of the Greeks' 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Latinists, rarefying, which with their heat and mean drith, do dissolve and disperse, mollify and digest all the hardness of the spleen, and grieved bowels. The timely use of which medicines, chiefly is both requisite and greatly commended in quartanes. So the bark of the Ash, and of Cappars▪ the root of Brionia, the wild cucumber▪ Walwort, and Ireos, all hot and dry some even in the third degree, being taken, they mollify and drive away all hardness, or being applied outward, do dissolve and consume the hard spleen: So may I faith of Amoniacum, bdellium, opoponax, galbanum, which although they be all hot and dry, even Barbers know that they have a great force to mollify and digest. Seeing than mollifying and rarefying things are convenient to cure the quartan, as all men confess being taken in season, think it not so absurd or ridiculous (my jacobus) if ani● do also use the ashes of the eyes, or sometimes of the heads of Crabs, or for lack of them, Crevisses. For the ashes of those shell fishes, specially of the eyes, have great force to extenuate and dissolve that fex of the melancholy humour, which those (whom you call Paracelsians) do name tartar congealed. But if you do so much abhor these calcinations, which we often use, and do ask why we do it, learn this Auberius, out of Galen, in the eleventh book de simple. medic. faculs. whereas speaking of salt, he useth these words: Salt burned, digesteth 
Cap. 11.  more strongly then unburned, by how much the body is made more subtle, rcceiving his qualities of the fire. Also he writeth in the same book those medicines which consist of thin parts, have more force than they of gross parts, although they had like quality, because they pierce better: for which cause only we use calcined Crabs, to lose those feces, and tartarous humours. For by calcination, the salt of things is drawn out, and salt must be dissolved with salt only, if you do well understand it, and so you shall learn that diseases are not to be cured with contraries, but like with like, although as yet you perceive not the reason. Otherwise, how could you say that the stones of sponges, burnt glass, goats blood dried, the ashes of Cocles, Lapis judaicus calcined, or the bone of a cuttle, with so great force could help the stone, or gravel of the reins. I know you will fly to the Asses sacred anchor, namely, of secret qualities, which notwithstanding, reason itself teacheth to be done with the salt which doth dissolve them, and expel them by urine, what will you then say of the hedge sparrow, that laudable medicine of ancient Physicians, for the same disease, whereof Paul Aeginet. lib. 3. cap. 45. where he leaveth it thus written: This (saith he) pouthered whole with salt, and often eaten raw, driveth out the stones that are already grown by urine, and letteth them not to grow again afterward: but if it be burned whole with his feathers, & all his ashes, by itself, or with a little pepper drunk with old wine & honey, it worketh the same effect. Thus you see how the ancient Physicians did use the ashes, which you call absurd, and in what diseases: even in curing the stone of the reins, whose matter is also such a gross humour, that with heat it groweth to a stone. How much more Crabs calcined prevail against that disease, is noted of Hollerius & Mathiolus, and a thousand times hath been proved by certain experience. Neither will I pass over (among other medicines which are used for this disease) Crystal, which is the chief: Crystal (I say) calcined, in a reverberatorie, out of which after is drawn his salt, of whose dissolution, in a moist place, is made a most excellent oil, very profitable to put away all obstructions of the bowels. Wherefore you may not think it so ridiculous, that a medicine should be taken out of the calcined eyes of Crabs, neither so to spew out your bitter poison against it. This will I also add out of Galene, and the opinion of all the ancientest, that the Crabs themselves calcined, even by the property of their whole substance, are marvelous effectual against the biting of mad 
De simple. med facult. cap. 30. lib. 7.  dogs. And Galens words which he reporteth of his master Pelope, do show that madness to be a most dry infection▪ It is not without cause (saith he) that the Crab (being a watery creature) should help them that are bitten of a mad dog, in whom it is to be feared, lest they should fall into a most dry disease, that is, madness. Now there remaineth that I should speak of the sharpness which you find in the calcination of Crabs: which (as you say) doth increase the quartan. But I fear least by those words the learned may think you utterly ignorant what a sharp taste is. For it is easy for us to show, that the ashes of Crabs are not sharp: for all sharp things (as it is known to Physicians) are very hot, of which Physicians make two sorts. The one sort may be eaten, the other unapt to be eaten. These have a certain sweet, although obscure quality 
De simple. med. facul. lib. 2. cap. 17.  mixed. The other are deadly (if we believe Galen) or at the least being laid upon the skin, do quickly raise a blister. And those truly are to be called sharp when they are not mingled with strange qualities, whose proper term and end is to burn, as it is the quality of sour things to cleanse, of sweet, to nourish. And that the ashes of Crabs work not that effect, Galens words do show, where he disputeth of 
De simple. med. facul. cap. 18.  the differences of bitter and sharp taste: for the sharp (saith he) hath certain moisture mingled with it, but the bitter he confesseth to have a hot and dry quality, and saith they are like (as a man may well compare them) unto ashes. By which reason you should better have said, that the ashes of the eyes of crabs are rather bitter then sharp, whose moisture being consumed and vapored away by hear, they are made drith and ashes: whereby they get not ● sharp, but a bitter quality: and although an earthly substance, yet thin, by how much the body is made more subtle, taking his quality of the fire, as before we showed 
Simpl. 11. cap. 51  out of Galen, and of necessity is made hot and dry, and therefore bitter, to cleanse, break asunder, and cut gross and viscose humours, as no doubt ashes and nitre doth (as 
Simpl. 4. cap. 18.  Galen teacheth) whom at an other time you may better consult withal, lest you appear plainly ignorant of your first principles. But because I see some things must be pardoned you, go to, I willingly grant you that the calce of crabs is sharp: but that with his sharpness, it doth increase the quartan, I utterly deny. For I pray you (good Sir) is not Mustard, Pepper, and Garlic, so far forth granted unto him that is sick of the quartan, by all the learned Greeks', Arabians and of Paul Aegineta himself, that they are also prescribed them for a diet. And the Diatrion Pipereon, or that they call Diospoliticon, are they not reckoned amongst the remedies for the quartan? neither is it besides the purpose 
Lib. de febribus.  to show the words of the famous Physician Hollerius upon this point, where he writeth of the diet of the sick of the quartan. As touching the diet (saith he) at the beginning of a mean matter, & by spaces from the beginning to the force of the disease, you may use sharp things as mustard, and salt meats, and after the force of the fit the use of them is necessary, towards the end he addeth. Therefore are salt meats commended, because salt doth extenuat and drive away the excrements, drieth them up, gathereth strength and comforteth.  
By this I think you and all other do sufficiently perceive how greatly you are deceived in contemning our remedy taken out of the true doctrine of the learned. But because you know not the other simples which are put into this medicine, or at the least pass them over with silence, behold I will gratify you and show you the composition. It taketh the root of Aron, or Cockowpintell prepared, also the roots of common Acorus, and Pimpinella, prepared and dried, the eyes of the Crab calcined (of which for one dose, there is used not half a scruple) with semen nastortij & sugar a mixture is made of all. The dose is one spoonful in the morning for to comfort the weak stomach, to put away all obstructions of the bowels, and hardness of the spleen, an excellent medicine often proved, and at this day in use, with most learned Physicians. I think there is no Doctor will say this to be so absurd & hurtful for the quartan. You should therefore if you reprove Paracelsus medicines, have chosen some other more special things, wherein you might have exercised the greatness of your wit and proved your cunning. For these things (although you enviously call them Theophrasticall) are both agreeable to reason, and to be allowed of every learned Physician. But peradventure you will say these things have not been known to the divine Hypocrates, nor unto Galen, and therefore you will conclude that they are to be rejected: but that is only by your own judgement, and not by any reason, we do not despise their excellent knowledge and divine learning, neither violate their laudable memory, when as we say they were the first that flourished in Physic: yet therewithal we affirm that they had not tried all kind of medicines, or knew the properties of them all. Life is short saith Hypocrates, & this 
Aphor. 1.  art which is occupied about this perilous practice is over long: Neither was Galen ashamed to confess where he writeth of Hydrargyrun, or quicksilver 9 of simp. cap. 19 that he had never made any trial, neither that it would kill if it were eaten, neither if it were applied outwardly: nor is it to be thought that Theophrastus was the first and only inventor of so many remedies, the knowledge whereof (he himself confesseth in his books) he attained by the conference of diverse learned Philosophers and Physicians, both Egyptians and Arabians, amongst whom for learning sake, he remained certain years captive, from whom at the length he brought away so many fair prizes of remedies, all which are taken partly out of the true oils drawn of spices, herbs, fruits, flowers, and seeds, and thessence of all laxatives, whereof one drop will profit more, than so many drams and ounces: which also (that they may work by their whole substance) may be sowed and cast upon their proper salt, which in many may be done, as in other the earth is to be cast away as utterly dead and contrary to purgation. Also of divers rosins, gums, and other kinds of vegetables are drawn many fair and very profitable preparations: as also of divers parts of sundry beasts, of which rightly prepared are made many very wholesome medicines, as by the true preparations of Mumia only known unto the Paracelsians is made a most laudable medicine in all pestilent infections. Of the oil and salt of a man's skull not buried for the epilepsy: of the oil of honey and wax for the tophy: of greases and other preparations the better to mollify and dissolve. So also of Musk, Civet, Castoreum, the unicorns horn, ivory, the horn and bone of the Hart, of a Stag, and infinite other things are made many extractions for the pains of the heart and such like. Of all which the Chemical art hath taught the true preparations which you do condemn. For the Paracelsian remedies are not only taken out of the metalliyne bodies, pearls, and precious stones, as many foolishly think and persuade the whole world: neither are they sharp and violent (as the ignorant and unskilful prattle) but most sweet and familiar to our nature, which through the excellency of the spirits they often preserve, quicken and cleanse from all impurities only by sweats: and finally are not a little profitable by their whole substance, as many learned men daily (with great success) do practice: but of these things more then enough. Therefore now we will go forward to those things which you writ touching metals.   

A brief answer of josephus Quercitanus Armeniacus doctor of Physic, to the exposition of jacobus Aubertus Vyndon. concerning the original and causes of metals against the Chimistes.  
MANY writ that metal is a body to be digged up by nature, either liquid, 
Agric. lib. 8. de natura fossil.  as quicksilver, or hard, which may be molté with the heat of the fire, as gold, silver copper, lead and tin, or softened as Iron. Other call all things that are digged out of the bowels of the earth by the proper name of metals. So Onesicritus writeth that in Carmania there is a metal of a red chalk. Herodotus affirmeth▪ that in Lybia about Atlantus, is a metal of salt, and this doth Pliny testify in his 33. book of his natural history. Others say that is proper metal, which being melted is brought again to his former form, and that may be beaten out with hammer, is hard and apt to take impression & for that cause they divide it into six, that is, gold, silver, copper tin, lead, and Iron: whereunto some have added mercury, not that it is a metal indeed, but it may be. The Chimistes use to call them by the names of the planets, not to refer their substance to the planets, as Aubertus foolishly thinketh: but partly moved with a certain likeness of the greatest and principal stars (for which cause they named the two most perfect metals, the Sun and Moon) and Iron for his hardness, Mars, whom the Poets feign to be the God of arms and battle, and quicksilver for the great and uncertain motion they called Mercury, and partly after the Pythagoreans, that they might hide their secrets under dark speeches. But I see no reason why Antimony should be properly received among metals (wherefore by Agricola his leave, whose authority Aubertus leaneth unto) it is to be excepted out of their kind, for that it is altogether repugnant to their definition: for all metals melted do return to their, proper form, and such as are easy to be driven, be hard, and apt to receive impression: by which reason they differ from many liquable stones, in which the humidity is not strongly mixed with the dry earthines, as also from infinite kinds of marcasites and half metals. But Antymony melted doth utterly lose his first form, as practisioners do daily try, neither is it easy to be driven, and practice showeth it will take no print, and therefore properly it cannot be called metal. But it pleased Aubertus which is so learned in metals to affirm this, that yet he dreameth that tin glass (which is that Bisemutum, and that sinder or ashy kind of lead whereof Agricola speaketh much in the 8. book de natura fossil.) to be Stibium melted, and the Chemists, basilisk, which is most absurd. For that tinne-glasse which is commonly called bisemutum, is not stibium any way prepared, neither the Chimistes basilisk, extract with tartar & niter, may be called bisemutum, which I leave to the judgement of all that be of upright minds: but this is small to the purpose, when many things are called by the name of metal, and yet not properly. But let us pardon Aubertus in this which never saw any mines that he might judge rightly of them, neither understandeth the mind of Agricola. In the mean time he complaineth that Chimistes divide the metals into perfect and unperfect, and that he thinketh ridiculous for many causes. First because of a certain definition given by Geber, which agreeth no less to one metal then an other: whereas the perfect might be descried from the imperfect, one definition were to be given to the one an other to the other. As though the definition of a man were not agreeable to a child, although he be not yet come to a man's age: or in other accidents seem to differ from him, as metals do differ among themselves. So the definitions of white and red corals should be sundry and divers, that by reason of absolute and perfect concoction the white have not attained the uttermost degree, whose definition notwithstanding is all one. But Aubertus to prove his opinion the better, writeth that all things, which have essential form (as it is certain metals have) must of necessity be perfect. And that nature the godly parent of all things in doing of her office doth not cease or rest (except it be letted) until she hath attained her purposed end and scope. He addeth that the matter whereof any natural thing is made, and whereabout nature is occupied, doth move so long until it hath attained the essential form. He concludeth that metal cannot rightly be divided into perfect and unperfect, neither that gold ought by any means to be called more excellent and perfect, although it be more beautiful and temperate than other metals, all which we must confute, as srivolous and vain. And to prosecute all things in due order, we must show that gold itself of the true Philosophers is worthily called more perfect, excellent, and pure than other metals: that hereupon we may conclude, metals not without reason to be divided of the Chimistes into perfect and unperfect. Therefore that I may also stay upon the authority of Agricola (out of whom Aubertus hath specially taken those his words) he writeth in lib. 5. de ortu & causis subterraneorum, that metals do differ among themselves, not only in shining, but also in colour, savour, sent, weight and power. And specially speaking of shining (which you Aubertus confess to be in gold and silver) he saith. But by how much the humour is more subtle, thick and pure, by so much the metal is more clear and shining: for which cause in this behalf gold excelleth the other. The excellency of which gold Agricola himself seeketh in the difference of scent, savour, and weight. For the unperfect metals, when they come in any liquor are perceived to be sour of taste, as copper and Iron: for the adust earth is cause of their sowernes, whereof those metals do participate, as Agricola himself witnesseth. But the other because of their pure earth, and more abundant water do not give the liquors so sensible a savour, burr rather a sweetish taste, as gold and silver. Also for as much as in gold the earth is most pure and very well tempered with his water, it giveth very little or scarce sensible smoke when it is burned, and rather sweet than stinking. And Agricola addeth more that gold when it is purged in the fire hath in a manner no excrement▪ because of his purity, in others there is more, but so much more in one, than an other, as it is more unpure. Also the excellency of gold is to be sought for in his force and strength, because that besides it and silver all other metals do vanish away in smoke, and perish with the violence of fire upon the test or couple: which happeneth unto them, as the earth in them is found to be less pure and their temperature not so good. As it happeneth unto Iron through the impure earth, whereof there is great store in it. But when as gold alone cannot be consumed 
3. Meteor. cap. 6.  with any fiery heat, as Aristotle saith, and looseth nothing of his weight though it be burned or tried, of necessity it must have a most pure earth, and well compact with his water, whereby it cometh to pass, that his earth doth hold and let his humour, that it vapour not away, and contrariwise the humour defendeth the earth, that it butne not (as saith Agricola) which cometh to pass, as others do affirm, because of a most subtle, moist, and dry, that hath not any impurity mixed. By this reason gold according to the nature of thing▪ is purer than other metals, and surmounteth them in price, because it is the most simple and purest metal, and furthest from imperfection of elements by reason of his form. So Pliny saith, unto one thing, which 
Lib. natu. hist. 33. cap. 3.  is gold, nothing decayeth by fire (as the Poet also saith) and as appeareth by that aforesaid. By this we may gather, that amongst all metals, gold is not only the brightest, but most temperate and perfect, in respect of which all other metals may worthily be called unperfect. For nature always tendeth to perfection, that is, to the making of gold, which alone amongst metals is called perfect: for no agent natural (as the Philosophers say) ceaseth from work in his own matter, neither is separate, but with putting on some form in that matter. Therefore so long as the agent is joined to the matter, or worketh upon the matter, that is said to be unperfect: for the perfection of any thing is not but by putting on of form. For so much then as in all metals there is a certain viscous water, which the Chimistes Philosophers call quicksilver, because of the likeness which is put in place of the matter, and that which they call sulphur by like similitude of the agent or inducer of form in that matter: no metal can be called perfect, but that from which the sulphur is separated, But because other metals have their sulphur mixed in the matter, whereby they are killed, made black, calcined and burned (which happeneth unto them only by that dry exhalation, that is, the sulphur because it is a matter apt to be set on fire) for that cause they be altogether called unperfect. But on the contrary part because only gold is altogether without this sulphur, which the affinity of gold and quicksilver by itself doth sufficiently declare. (For as Pliny writeth, all things swim upon it but gold, which alone it draweth unto it) 
Lib nat. hist. 33. cap. 6.  By this means it is free from corruption both in the fire & out of the fire, Of right therefore, it alone is called perfect, and form according to the first and true intention of nature, and complete, because it is come to the uttermost end wherein it is complete, and pure because the agent is not mingled with the matter, but is separate from it. To this purpose writeth Aristotle Met. 3. cap. ultimo speaking of metals: wherefore saith he they contain earth in them, and are all burned because they have a dry exhalation, But gold alone of all the rest useth not to be burned. But Aubertus not content with these reasons will answer: what so ever hath attained an essential form, of necessity must be perfect. But all metals have their substantial form. No man will deny (saith he) except it be some blockhead ashes blower: and by that means hereupon concludeth, that all are perfect. But it is easy enough for us to answer this objection. For those things which persever in their nature are called perfect in their kind through their substantial form: but some continue by nature in their kind, which notwithstanding are made perfect by some means through their substantial form, to the which their is a certain motion and end: but because they are carried to another later essential form, which altogether finisheth the matter itself, and maketh it complete: therefore they are called unperfect▪ so long as they remain under that first form, in respect of the later, to the attaining whereof they do endeavour themselves. But if no account be made of that later form, but they be considered only in themselves: they are truly perfect in that their kind (through their essential form) as that kind doth require. This all men see in the generation of eggs, in which there is a certain determined motion in the getting of his substantial form, which doth so remain. But because those eggs are by nature ordained to this end, not to remain under that form, but to bring forth a bird, and so is made the begetting of the latter substantial form: Therefore eggs are called unperfect under the form of an egg: but it is a perfect thing after the bringing forth of a bird, for that is the last end of eggs. This is likewise to be judged of metals, which albeit they have in their kind gotten an essential form, yet can they not be called perfect, in respect of gold, which alone is said to be perfect, until they come to that last & perfect end, that is, to the perfection of gold, and become gold. And like as in the generation of the Embryo, there is comparison of the vegetable soul to the sensible and of the sensible to the rational, and not as forms so other imperfect metals are in respect of gold. Therefore the Chimisticall Philosophers have worthily divided the metals into perfect and unperfect. For although the difference of metals be in the form itself, yet shall it not be properly the difference of the kinds, as the difference of man and horse, but shall be taken more properly of the matter, & his parts that is according as it is digested or undigested, complete or incomplete, seeing those are altogether of one proper matter. But indigest and incomplete is spoken in respect of gold. But whereas Aubertus judgeth Iron more noble than gold, because it serveth more to the use man, I think he shall never persuade any Physicians (be they never so unlearned) which rather desire to catch gold then Iton. But I suppose there is sufficiently spoken touching the excellency and perfection of gold: and because we said that metals are of one proper matter, although not in all alike digested, herein consisteth the point of the question, therefore we must now come to seek out that matter of metals. The Philosophers make two causes of metals, as also of all other mixed bodies. The one general and far of, which is taken of the elements, as of the first causes of all things, of which they consist, as of most simple, & are resolved again as into most simple. The Peripatecians contend against the Stoics, that only the qualities and virtues of the elements do pass one into another, and altogether mingled. The Stoics contrarily do affirm that whole substances are mingled with the whole: but leaving these waves of slippery opinions we will go to the safe and quiet port. And in this point we do allow the opinion of Aubertus, who thinketh the elements not to be mixed bodies essentially, or in deed, but in power, which Galen witnesseth in the first book, de methodo medendi, where he writeth that the elements are to be mingled wholly with the whole, only by their qualities. Of the second or proper matter of metals, the opinion of many Philosophers is not agreeable, but very divers. For some said the nearest matter of metals is a moist breath, as Aristotle: & some hold it to be a water drawn from other elements, which Agricola alloweth, whose opinion our Aubertus agreeth unto. Other deem it ashes moistened with water. But the Chemist whose opinion Aubertus goeth about to overthrow, saith quicksilver is the matter of them: some have joined sulphur: all which opinions are briefly and diligently to be examined by us, that the matter may be more evident, and that all men may understand how unworthily Aubertus & others have inveighed against so many famous Chemist philosophers. Aristotle the prince of 
3 met. cap. ultimo.  philosophers assineth a double matter of those things which are made within and upon the earth, by the supernatural power and force, that is a breath and a vapour, by the mixture whereof, in the bowels of the earth h●ethinketh all are made and have their original▪ and those he d●uideth according to the diuer●e nature of the matter into two sorts, that is, into things to be digged, and ●e●●allyne. They are called fossilia, because they are digged out of the earth, and like unto the earth that is digged, neither are they liquable, as all kind of stones which are made of a dry exhalation set on fire, and with the heat consuming the moisture, and in a manner burning it. The other sort are metallyne, whereof some are fusible and liquable, because they draw nearer to the nature of moisture, then of drith, as lead and tin, and are so called because they are easilier melted than beaten. On the contrary, those that are to be beaten, which are melted with greater difficulty, as Iron, whose next matter is a vaperous breath congealed by cold, and groweth into metal according to the opinion of Aristotle, whom our Aubertus thinketh worthy to be reproved: For saith he, it cannot come to pass in the nature of things that there may be a passage from one extreme or contrary into an other without any mean: for it is evident that metals and breaths are of contrary qualities, for these are very subtle, and the other very gross. Hereupon he concludeth in the original of metals, breaths and vapours 
Lib▪ 5. de ortu & causis sub●er.  do of necessity first congeal into humours before they harden into metals. This did he take out of Agricola: but that excellent learned man, jacobus Scheggius in his commentaries upon Arist. Meteors, doth sufficiently defend Aristotle, being unworthily reproved, where he teacheth, that the breath or vapour whereof water cometh is one. & that whereof metals concreteth is an other, as also that whereof a storm groweth another: for it is sometime more ponderous and gross then that whereof water groweth. By which reason they propose a further distant matter of metals which say it is water, then they which say it is a breath, when as the greatest part of meteors do grow upon these breaths and vaperous matters raised up out of the water and earth by the force of heat: for so much as there is no fertility of the water or earth without heat: for heat doth procre at these two as a first child in whose nature the force of the parents (that is of the four elements) is represented, and as it were an engendering power of them doth consent together, two qualities working by a masculine force, the other two suffering as feminine. But either of them obeying the celestial temperature as their father, whereby these things without life are accustomed to be procreate, by the instrument of the first qualities. And this may be perceived by the very sense, that so gross vapours do often break out in places under the ground that the diggers can not take breath, and sometimes through the grossness thereof as Galen witnesseth, are choked. If they be so gross, who will judge that metals and breaths, are of contrary qualities, but that they may grow into a sound matter of metals, without any other mean, as the ponderous vapour doth into a storm? Furthermore (as multitudes of people can testify) if it hath reigned copper and Iron, and that stones and such other bodies do grow and are made in the uppermost air, how should these be engendered of water, & earth, for whom there is no place to tarry in the air, rather than of vapour and breath, which both can pierce & stay there for their thinness and heat. Wherefore it is certain that metals rather have their original of breath then of water: which breath because it is gross, doth also easily congeal. But what needeth more of this, when it is manifest to all Philosophers that all thing have their original of that whereunto they may at last be reduced, For all metals (except the two perfect) which by greater decoction have their matter more compact and fixed, are they not reduced into a breath of vapour? & in the examination of the test or couple do they not vanish away into smoke? Yes truly into smoke, which is not turned into water, or moisteneth, but gross because of the earthines mixed with it, being congealed & thickened with cold, which by certain experience may daily be seen & perceived of those which work in fire and more easily also of the Philosophers in their sublimations. The same doth Tutia, Cadmia and Pompholix with other such like prove, which coming of the vapours of metals stick to the walls of the furnaces, and show them to be gross in the mines, neither do represent water by any means. Let Aubertus therefore with his leaden argument hold his tongue which goeth about to overthrow Aristotle's opinion, neither let him judge rashly of things which he knoweth not, but credit those which have experience, & know those vapours to be most thick, whereof metals are first congealed, and without any other mean hardened. But having overthrown Aristotle, let us see what judgement he will give of other lerrned men and Philosophers, as of Albertus magnus, Geber, and other Collars (for by that name this our noble censor adorneth those excellent men) whose opinions Aubertus refelleth in this point, because they say, that quicksilver and sulphur is the next matter of metals, and goeth about with certain arguments to show, how they are out of the way. First touching quicksilver, he saith, it is not likely to be the proper matter of metals, because it can not congeal into hardness: surely an excellent argument and worthy to be often repeated of the author, whereunto notwithstanding he is answered by us before the saith it can not congeal▪ because it is of an airy substance. But the vapour which we concluded out of Aristotle, to be the next matter of metals, who will not confess to be airy in respect of water, and notwithstanding who will deny but it may congeal? then I confess that quicksilver is airy: and therefore many Philosophers judge it not to be a metal but only in Power: but I do call it so to be airy, that it sendeth forth a most gross vapour, which by cold congealeth, as may be seen in Mercury ●u●limat, and many other his preparations, wherein he sendeth forth his smokes and vapours, but not so a●rye, but they will grow thick. But what will you say to those unperfect metals, which as we before said in examination do fl●e away into smokes and vapours: what finally shall we think of their matter and form brought to nothing, will you not confess the gross vapour which we call quicksilver to be the matter of them, when at the last metals are reduced again into it. But Aubertus allegeth this out of Aristotle: those thing▪ which pertain unto water▪ if they conte●ne ●n them ● o ● a●re than water, they can not congeal as o●le and quicksilver. But the matter of 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 to be ● wrought to a hardness, otherwise they cou●●● not put on the form of metals: there fore their matter can not be quicksilver, for so much as it can not congeal to hardness. But this argument is no more effectual than the former: For he setteth down as granted that which he hath not by any means prou●d, and which we have already denied: for we granted unto him that quicksilver was of an a●rie substance, but that it cannot therefore congeal, we deny, when contrary to his mind we have showed his vapours do congeal. And truly Aubertus doth not deny but by art it doth harden, but he thinketh that neither by art or nature it may congeal into mettalle in hardness or form, as though to think, were to demonstrate a thing. Therefore he denieth quicksilver to be the matter of metals: the cause which he allegeth, that it is of an airy substance, is of no force. For we have showed out of Aristotle, that it is a vapour of an airy substance in respect of water, and nevertheless the next matter of metals. Therefore airy things are to be distinguished: for such as are altogether and simply airy because of the predominant matter cannot be coagulated neither by heat or by cold, because their airy moisture cannot be dried up, the earth w●nting, by which reason also they swim upon the water, witness Aristotle as oil, and are easily set on fire, because it is matter of fire, as oil itself and woods which swim upon the water, except ebenum which is more earthly, as by his weight may be judged: but quicksilver is neither set on fire, neither matter of fire, but most contrary unto it like water, neither is it light but ponderous, that in it the soundest bodies of all metals will swim upon gold only except for the great affinity of them both, whereby it appeareth, that it is of an other substance, then simply air like oil. Therefore to the similitude of this quicksilver, the next matter of metals: the Chemical Philosophers have said, that this quicksilver is engendered of a strong commixtion of the first matter of all metals, that is of a moist viscous incombustible humour, incorporate with a subtle earth, equally and strongly mixed by small parts in the mineral caves of the earth. Unto this wise nature (because the matter bringeth not itself to effect) joineth his proper agent, that is sulphur, which is nothing else then a certain fatness of the earth engendered in the proper mines, and by temperate decoction thickened, that it may turn the quicksilver by digestion, and concoction into form of metal. Therefore this sulphur is to the quicksilver as the man to the woman, and as the proper agent to the proper matter. Not that this quicksilver and sulpur (as some foolishly think) are found by themselves in their nature in the mines, but that these are already mingled by nature, and by long concoction brought into the nature of earth. And this truly is the ne●rest matter of metals, as in the generation of man meat is nearer matter than the elements, the blood nearer than meat, and the sperm nearer than blood itself: and at last by apt digestion the matter receiveth the shape of a man. So when as it is said, that metals are first made of the four elements, as of their general and first matter: the same order kept, it is necessary that of those elements come vapours, of vapours a slimy water (which is yet a nearer matter than the vapours, lest by defending Aristotle, Aubertus may think me to gainsay myself) and heavy, mingled with a subtle sulphureous earth which is called quicksilver: of which as of a nearer matter by mean of the mixture and working of the outward sulphur is made gold or other metal according to the great or lesser digestion of nature. For as the Philosopher writeth Metaph. 6. when any thing is said to be made of another, either an extreme & perfect, is made of a mean and unperfect, as of a child, a man, or else an extreme▪ of extreme, as air of water: but let us return to our Aubertus. He writeth that sulphur also can not be the matter of metals. But let us hear by what reasons he doth prove it. Sulphur, saith he, according to Aristotle, is engendered of a hot, dry, and unctuous breath, but metals are engendered of an other breath hot and moist, and a little unctuous. Truly a goodly, but sophistical argument, by which he goeth about to prove his purpose, by the opinions which he hath already impugned, Let him therefore remember that he before hath affirmed against Aristotle, that breath was not the matter of metals: and now he doth confess that metals are engendered of breaths. Therefore he speaketh against himself, that he shall not need my refutation: he addeth to prove his opinion, that sulphur waxeth soft with moisture like salt, and that metals are melted only with strong fire: but of a false antecedent can not follow a good consequent. For by no means is sulphur dissolved into water, but by heat is melted like lead: and this should our searcher of things under ground first have tried, then to affirm so boldly that which is false. Therefore that dart may be bend against him wherewith he supposed to have wounded ●he Chimistes. Also he saith, that sulphur is of an airy and fiery substance, and therefore can not be increased or congealed. But I have afore showed the contrary, wherefore he is not to look for any other answer of me, because he hath neither reproved my argument, neither made any demonstration of his opinion by firm reasons. But this one thing sufficeth, that all wise Chimistes do affirm, that this which they call sulphur, is not the common sulphur which burneth with combustion of blackness and adustion & is burned: whereas their proper sulphur doth whiten, rubify, coagulat, and finally make perfect that Chemical quicksilver which is commonly unknown into the substance of gold, according to nature, or of the philosopher's stone, and gold according to art. And this is the true secret sulphur, and the only tincture and shadow of the son and the proper congeler of his quicksilver which the Philosophers have shadowed with divers names their dark speeches and enigmas▪ whereby it appeareth Aubertus to have far erred, and by all means to be refused, because he speaketh of a sulphur which he knoweth not: and that the Chemic Philosophers are not to be blamed because they say quicksilver and sulphur to be the matter of metals, which do not understand it of the common quicksilver & sulphur. For they know that these things whereof they speak are not found in the metal mines in their very nature: but o● those two they say, there is made a third mixture, having the natures, properties & virtues of them, that of it may be engendered, any metal according to the diversity of the composition, digestion and place. These shall suffice touching the next matter of metals which Aubertus would have to be water wrought upon by the other elements, but he hath kept silent the cause why he thinketh so being contented to say that it is set forth by others, or that he hath found it in other men's writings, which is the saying of a man that will prove his opinion by an other man's credit, and not by reason, as the true Philosophers do. But now the efficient causes call us which the Philosophers make double and so many passions. for heat and cold are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, because they have power to move: moist and dry 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, for because they rather suffer any thing than work, and are said to be wrought upon of the first qualities, as of the most noble and higher in nature, by whose work form is engendered in things: for the matter is not known by itself, but by the change which cannot be without suffering, as neither that without touching, the which by conjunction, and cogelation, and by introduction of act and form is abolished. But it is to be observed that by the mixture of dry and moist the bodies are first called congealed, then hard or soft: of which congealed bodies there is a triple difference? for it is either a watery humour that is congealed, or some dry earthly thing, or a mixture of them both. Also these, some of them are melted, some dried, some moistened, and some made soft. But those things which are dry and fiery, as honey and must, will never be congealed, and they which are moist & airy predominant as all oily things. Wherefore these also are not elements, neither the matter of these sufferings. But of bodies which do congeal and are hardened according to Aristotle, some are affected by heat and some by cold: by heat drying up the humour, by cold driving out the heat▪ Therefore those things that are congealed by heat by want of moisture are dissolved of cold, which maketh the moisture to enter in again as salt. And those things which for lack of heat are congealed, are dissolved again by heat, entering in again as metals: for whatsoever is dissolved melting, is melted either by fire or water. Whatsoever melteth by water must needs be congealed by hot & dry, that is, fiery heat: and those which fire melteth, or whose congelation in any part it doth dissolve (as horn) are congealed by cold, for of contrary effects the causes be contrary: and because that metals do melt by heat, it is of necessity that first they were congealed by cold, as the efficient cause, whereof none of the Chemist philosophers doth doubt, although, as Aristotle some time saith, experience showeth us the contrary: for salt is congealed by heat, and may be dissolved and molten by fire as I have often tried, and it is called fusible salt. Neither Albertus Magnus that great Philosopher ought to be reprehended of our Aubertus because he referreth the power of making metals unto heat, when as Albertus doth not mean it of only heat, as he thinketh. Therefore it is to be known, as Aristotle witnesseth things by means of cold to suffer rather than to work, because that cold is proper to the patiented elements, that is water and earth, which both by nature are cold. For they do not receive cold from any other thing as they do heat, but by taking away the heat they cool of their own nature, neither are they cooled by any external cause, as the air and fire. Wherefore albeit cold in mixed things hath an efficient force, yet it prevaileth rather to corruption then to generation, Therefore the Chemists are not to be reproved, although they say that nature needeth a heat under the earth for the procreation of metals, as a more effectual efficient cause which may mingle, altar, dispose, digest, and concoct their matter, & at last with long tract of time frame it into gold as into his last end. Neither are they to be reproved in this that they refer some force to the influence of the heavenly bodies: for Aristotle ●onfirmeth their opinion in his book de coelo & mundo and his book of the causes of the properties of elements in these words. For saith he the first beginnings moving to generation, and inducing form in every thing are the starry and heavenly bodies, by their moving and light. For they are the first that move, moved of the intelligences to perform the nature of generation or corruption for the preservation of kinds, and of them is given form and perfection, and as he said in an other place: the son and man engendereth man▪ neither doth Aubertus rightly conclude upon this reason, the art of Alchemy to be vain, if metals be engendered by force of the stars, when as the Chimiste s can not have the fruition of this heavenly power: for they believe with the Philosopher, that if forms be put on upon inferior things by the motion and light of the heavenly bodies, & by their site and aspect, the same by consequent to come to pass in metals, but that is done as it were by a general cause and far off: but they have a nearer efficient cause, as we said that is heat, by force whereof metals congealed in the bowels of the earth are disposed, digested & made perfect. These things thus declared, we must see to what end Aubertus tendeth and what is his uttermost scope, he would have the labour of the Chimistes, which they take upon them in making perfect of metals to be utterly vain and lost, and he denieth that copper, tin, Iron or lead, (which of them are called unperfect metals) can by any art be made perfect, and be turned into gold and silver. And first saith he, it is evident those four metals to be perfect: but we have before showed they are altogether unperfect for many causes, neither can it be denied but that by art and right preparation they are made much more perfect and excellent in their kind. Therefore Aristotle 4. met. cap. 6. Iron saith he, wrought is melted that it becometh moist and congealeth again: and no otherwise are they accustomed to make steel, for the fex of the Iron settleth and is separate into the bottom: and when it is after made pure and clean from his forces it becometh steel: but Iron is so much the better as it hath least excrements. But let us pass over authorities, when we have sufficiently approved this by philosophical reasons, by which we have more then sufficiently showed only gold to be perfect, all other metals to be unperfect. Moreover Aubertus addeth, that he might make the art of transmutation unpossible. Those things which are ma●e perfect and form by art are artificial, but metals both by knowledge of the name and definition of the essence are natural, for they are minerals saith he and have their original only from a natural beginning, therefore they are natural, and that according to Aristotle. For natural things have the beginning of their making in themselves. but those which are made by art, not: but have it outwardly from some other▪ and briefly to end, he addeth that no natural form can be put on by art, whereby he concludeth that there can be no artificial metals. Now therefore go too, it is our part to overthrow these arguments, and finally to prove the Chemic art to be true, which imitating nature itself doth transmute metals, we said before they were called unperfect, which were in motion to that form whereunto they were last decreed, and those perfect, which have attained the end of their motion. And because gold is come to the uttermost term of his motion, & is form according to the true intent of nature as we have already showed: therefore we have concluded that alone to be perfect, and all other that be in their motion to the form of gold to be unperfect, whose perfection notwithstanding nature doth still prosecute in her bosom that she might convert them, although in long time into gold. This can the diggers of metals testify which in one hundred weight of lead find certain ounces of fine silver, which is their great gain. So also in many copper mine's there is found gold: and likewise in silver mines, which when as such as are skilful of these things perceived, or as often as they found any unperfect silver through indigestion, they use to shut up their mines, and provide that they be so let alone for 30. years or more until there be made a perfect concoction by the heat under the earth. So also writeth Plinius, that there 
Hist. lib. 33 cap. 4.  is silver in gold by divers weight, in some the tenth part, some nine, and some eight. In one only metal saith Galen, which they call Albi●rarense, the 26, part is found, and therefore it is more excellent than other, because it is according to the greater or less digestion of nature, as may be judged▪ For when as digestion is complete, then is found most pure and perfect gold. Whereby it appeareth that albeit metals be in a certain term of motion, yet not to be in the last, and that they are in the way and passage to gold, as to that 
Hist. lib. 33. cap. 6.  which is only perfect. For where any vain of metal is found near thereto is also found another: whereupon after Pliny they are called metals of the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that one is sound after another. But Aubertus will say to this. If unperfect metals by longer decoction may be reduced into gold by nature, why do not the diggers expect that time, specially seeing, if that should come to pass, they should have much greater gain by the thing: we answer there are certain things which make the generation of metals divers not only in kind but in properties and accidents, according to the regions and places where they grow, as also beasts are made divers, as writeth Aristotle 6. de animalibus. For in Egypt Scorpions are not venomous, in other places contrary: and wheat in time & in some places doth degenerate into rye, & rye into wheat: So is to be said of metals which although they be appointed of nature unto their end, that is that they should be gold, notwithstanding by the diversity of Regions and mines and their corruption some are brought to their degree of perfection that they become gold, and some remain in the path of imperfection according to the diversity of digestion or purifying: For by weaker heat nature doth congeal some undigested things as lead and tin, & some with a superfluous and burning heat, as copper and Iron, and some contrariwise for want of heat and lack of an agent doth not congeal as quicksilver. But nature itself bringeth forth silver with a reasonable temporat heat, but gold with a most temperate which needeth no workmanship to be made perfect, as that hath attained the uttermost end and accomplishment. For as Aristotle saith in his 2. book de Coelo & mundo: that only is good accomplishment that needeth no labour to make it good, and all perfection of things consisteth in this point, that they receive their last accomplishment, For so much then as the unperfect metals have not attained to that last end of perfection for the causes aforesaid: therefore they lack the work of art, by whose help following nature itself, they are at length made perfect, and attain that last end whereunto they were ordained of nature, that is they become gold. For as the Philosopher writeth 2. Ethicor. truly sometime art maketh perfect some things which nature cannot work, other some it doth follow. So nature being helped by art, trees bring forth their flowers and fruits even in the winter season, and in cold countries, which nature of itself could not do, as is to be seen in the county palatines orchard at Hedelberge, and in many other places: but that which Aubertus saith, that in the whole work of Alchemy nature doth utterly rest, and only art doth move the subject, it is most falsely spoken: for by reason of nature being agent Chymia is a natural work, for the matter in the self same stone which by decoction it desireth, retaineth, digesteth, expelleth, corrupteth, engendereth, and formeth in his time by the commandment of almighty God, wherewith nature doth form metals by the mixture of it: but by reason of the ministery I confess Chimia to be an artificial work, not that art doth corrupt engender and form, but thus far only that it ministereth all this unto natures working, which otherwise of itself it could not alone perform: for nature worketh two manner of ways to engender gold: one by itself: and first of all when it doth engender gold in his proper mines, and of his proper beginnings, in which it is unpossible for art to imitate nature. Secondly it worketh by itself but not first, because first it engendereth some unperfect metal of the same beginnings in his mine: and lastly converteth it into gold, in which point art followeth nature itself, in that of unperfect metals it maketh gold as nature itself doth. Hereby it is evident something to be made of something: two manner of ways mediately and immediately. For according to Arist. lib 9 Meta. There may be many matters of one thing, as mediate and immediate: albeit at the last the mediate matter must be reduced into the immediate, for otherwise of diverse matters divers things would rise. Therefore because art taketh both the mediate & immediate matter which nature doth, & reduceth the mediate at the last to the immediate as nature also doth, & hath one and the self same agent which shall spoil the quicksilver, and at last transform it, and the end of art and nature is all one, that is by the uniting of this form with his matter, at last to engender gold: there is no doubt, but that art imitating nature itself in all points can make an unperfect metal a perfect, as nature itself doth make, as we have aforesaid. Wherefore the causes being all one, of necessity they also must be one, and bring forth the like effects. Neither do I think them to be excused which seek the subject of the Chemic Philosophers in the vegitalles. Their lahour is in vain, for there can be no generation but by the nearest, convenient and immediates, Others have bestowed their labours upon animal things, specially in an egg, because the Chemic Philosophers moved with a certain similitude of eggs called their work the egg, and said that the egg even as the Elixir doth contain 4 elements, whose shell they called the earth, the thin skin the air, the white water, and the yelke fire. So also the same Philosophers by a dark speech said, their stone was one in three, and three in one, because it containeth in it a body that standeth, a soul that g●ueth life, and a spirit that staineth. They which understand not these dark speeches, persuaded themselves that an egg was the Philosopher's stone, because it contained three in one, the shell, the yelke, and the water: and therefore at last concluded the egg to be the only matter sought for by the Chim●stes, being no less deceived than other, not considering this matter not to be fit to draw out metal out of. For a man begetteth a man & a beast a beast. But because good Au●ertus hath tried this with his loss (as I hard) which decocting eggs philosophically consumed some hundred of crowns: therefore he quarreleth with the art, as though it had deceived him, but undeserved, when he himself rather erred: for art is not bound to maintain his fault. For kind ought to be joined with kind, and like with like, and every blossom to answer to his seed, as we said afore. And there be some which seek the matter of their Elixir not in vegitals or animals, but in things under the earth and nearer. For they say that art doth imitate nature, and therefore think to labour upon those first matters whereupon nature, wrought and decoct quicksilver and sulphur, which they hear to be▪ the next matter of metals. But silly men they lose both their cost and labour: For the Philosopher's quicksilver is not that common, neither also the common sulphur as I said. For is there any man which can attain the intent of nature in due proportion and measure? no man truly. Moreover quicksilver if you set it but to a very little ●ier, it vaporeth away, & being mixed is separated, & sulphur also not hardly, when notwithstanding the conjunction of both these is necessary even to the end of digestion in the generation of metals: so are they deceived as many as seek the stone in marchasites, tuty, antimony, ar●●ick, & orpment, when as it is either altogether an inseparable sulphur, & yet aught to be separate at lest, as we have said: or because it is separate with a small fire, all the Philosopher's writings sufficiently declare that it can not be the Philosopher's subject. They also err which think to take gold for the man and silver for the woman: which too they amalgame (for we may use the words of the art) with common mercury, & of three make one, which they decoct chyminically, sublyme: and out of it at last draw the spirit, which afterward they go about to fix. For they depart from the philosophers writings which confess all with one mouth, that the agent is joined and proportionat by nature in the mines with his own matter, and they say, that it is but one thing wherein are the four elements well proportioned, that there is the ●ixer & the ●ixed, the stayner and the stained, white and red, male and female compound together. It is therefore as we said before a certain third nature, common and altered of diverse mixture and digestion of sulphur and quicksilver, in which is a mineral power to engender a mixed thing, which to do so, perpetually work and suffer between themselves until they be translaved from the form of unperfect bodies, first begotten (the agent not being yet separate from his matter) into an other form, and at last come by continual digostion and purifications to the last & true perfect form which is the form of gold, in which is the last term of motion where also the agent is utterly separate from his matter. Many see●e what this is, few find it, or if they do find it, they know not the preparations and intentions of the philosophers, whose medicine is also drawn out of those things by art, in which it dwelleth potentially by nature, and in 
Philosophici lapidis operationes. Calcinatio. 1  which the perfection of the first matter, and all metals are found. This matter after they have found it, first they think meet to be calcined, and purged from all his filths restoring his h●a●e and preserving his natural moisture: for in the Chemic calcination there ought to be no diminution 
Solutio. 2  of▪ the body, but rather multiplication. Then they reduce the calcined matter by making thin his groins into a certain liquid substance, as into his first matter, which they call mineral water, which doth not wet the hands. then is it made one in kind, but not so in number: whose father they call the sun, the moon the mother, and mercury the mediator, & the body is altered from his proper form, but a new is induced immediately: for there is nothing 
Element. separatio. 3  found in the nature of things spoiled of all form. That done, out of that so dissolved they separate the four elements and divide them into two parts into the ascendenter spiritual, and into the inferior or earthly, which two parts yet are of one nature, for the inferior is the leaven fixing it, and the superior part is the soul quickening the whole matter. Notwithstanding their division is necessary, that they all might be the easilier changed amongst themselves, and therewith part by passing into water wax black, and the water by passing into airy wax white, and the air be● turned into fire.  

Coniunctio 4  The separation of elements made, they make a conjunction of water & earth with air and fire keeping a proportion that every element may be dispersed with other, & give unto the male 3. parts of his water, and unto the women ix. parts then every like rejoiceth with his like, for the desire of the joining specially of the material & sulphureous form. These thus joined, they putrefy it in a moist heat 
Putrefactio: 5  (lest by hot fire the mercury should be separate or carried up on high through his spiritual nature) that by this corruption the matter might be changed, and the elements naturally divided, that regeneration may follow: for there is nothing borne or groweth, nor without life, but first things putrefaction is made.  

Coagulatio 6  After putrefaction they come to coagulation, and with the same most temperate heat continually altering the matter, as well inwardly as outwardly, they do work until all the matter be white like unto pearls, then is there a true fixing and congealing of the shining spirits with the bodies The Chemic philosophers call this the white thorn, and white sulphur incombustible, which never departeth from the fire.  

Cibatio. 7  Finally they proceed unto Cibation, that is, to the making thick of the thin, and making subtle the gross mingling his water with the ashes, and his milk with the foliat earth: but moderately that so the whiteness and redness, goodness, quantity and virtue of it may increase and grow, and by decocting and decocting again, the matter might be nourished.  

Sublimatio 8  Then they sublyme the matter, but not with common sublimation, and so purge it from all uncleanness lifting up the body, and making it spiritual, and the spirit corporal, & fixed by taking away the sulphureous saltness that it may all be white and easily be melted,  

Formeutatio. 9  Having finished the sublimation, they leaven the water by joining the spirit with his whitened earth or calce, as with his ferment, or incorporating the soul with the body. For the spiritual accidents cannot show their permanent qualities, except they be joined with fixed bodies, as with his leaven, which bringeth unro him his aptness to his nature, colour and savour by the mutual and common impression of the body, and spirit, without the which the work can not be finished, as paste cannot be leavened without leaven.  

Exaltatio. 10  But for the greater nobility of the matter, they think it must be exalted by increasing the spirit, and sublyming & making subtle the earth by natural, rectifying of all the elements, and the true circulation and graduation of them until they be brought to a perfect ●mbrasing.  

Augmentatio. 11  Then they increase the force of their Salamander by reiterating their solutions and coagulations, and with new leaven in force and quantity, and that into infinite.  

Proiectio. 12.  Last they make projection of one weight upon many, upon the unperfect according to the perfection of the medicine: for by how much the more it is made subtle and stained, so much the more abundantly it worketh: and so following nature they make perfect unperfect metals, and turn them into the sun & moon: & of their proper matter purified and made subtle by art, and then fixed by decoction, and digested until it come to a white, and after into a red colour, and is made again flying, and again fixed until it have his entrance and sta●ne perfectly, they ma e their medicine and their powder, which they call the philosophers stone. And that by sundry works, ●iuers things, many vessels, and many furnaces, as by that is aforesaid, the unskilful of art peradventure will judge, when as unto the true Philosopher in all this great work, there is but one work, one way, one thing, one vessel, one only fire and furnace, as all do confess. All these things would I note by the way, whereby I might overthrow master Aubertus opinion touching the philosopher's stone (for it is lawful for any m●n by i●sting to utter his folly in things unknown and that I might demonstrat, that not the bare form of gold or silver drawn from his substance (as he thinketh) is not the matter of the philosopher's medicine, But saith he, I care not of what matter the stone be compounded. Notwithstanding because it is not a natural substance it cannot put on a naturals form, but only artificial and deceitful. I could here appeal to the witness of many notable men, but I think it better to deal by reason. Therefore I say that metals truly altered are known to be perfect, not by the form the● had afore, or that is put in (for that were impossible) but by the accidents, properties, and passions which follow the forms, Therefore if in metal altered all those things are found, in every examination that are in the true metal: truly it is to be judged they have not a counterfeit form, but the true form of mineral gold and silver. For that which worketh the work of the ●i● is the ●i●, as the philosopher writeth 4. Meteor. and so contrary. Further more we have showed the Philosopher's stone to be natural, by reason of his making, and that by means of the natural agent, that is fire, with his natural colour sent, and form, which are accidental forms, following his determinat substantial form, art ministering matter unto it. For art is joined with nature, for the beginning of art is nature itself, as the philosopher writeth 2. phisic. ●y which reason art may be called natural, his works natural, & his forms are called natural in two sorts, that is when nature prepareth matter for itself, and afterward induceth form, as in man and stone: or when art doth minister and prepare matter for itself (yet not with the last prepation) with nature notwithstanding doth dispose and prepare even to the end, and doth induce a form upon it, as is to be seen in the making of ceruse and red lead. Neither is it any new thing, that art in many points followeth nature, and that many natural things are made by art, which Arist. affirmeth 4▪ Metaph. spheaking of colchota and calchant. For nature, saith he) in the mines of Atraments engendereth Atraments, and he showeth the manner of the making. And a little after he saith, the two atraments may be made and compounded by art: for art being the follower of nature, as he writeth 2. Metaph. by taking the substance of Iron or copper (whereof naturally they are made) ministering it unto nature, with often dissolutions, distillations and coagulations doth so perfectly and ingeniously make them, that they have the same properties and operations active & passive that the two mineral attraments have. The like is seen in making of salt. There is some mineral salt found, as in Polonia, other some is made, as in France, yet having the same properties and passions as the mineral, by which reason it may be called very natural, and his form also natural and very perfect. The like is to be thought of metals, for as the want of proper matter is the cause chief, why that of every thing an other the like is not engendered: so if fit matter be found out, it is the chief cause why that of one another the like is engendered. Therefore for so much as it is possible for the art of transmutation to find out the same matter of gold and silver which is altogether natural, that is that third nature, the quicksilver coagulat and mixed with his sulphur, and that it is easy to follow and imi●at nature itself in his working, because it doth decoct and digest that matter with most pleasant heat, until in the last term of his motion his agent be separate from it, that is his strange sulphur. It followeth both on the behalf of the agent, and of the proper and natural matter, the art may be called possible and truly natural: but at the length Aubertus will fly to this argument. If this Philosopher's stone could iuduce the shape of silver and gold, it would make it like unto itself, and by that means frame another Philosopher's stone. I answer, this conversion of metals is the reducing of them unto a certain mean, that is, to a temperature, and that excellent equality (which is only found in gold) in substance colour digestion, fusion, sound and other properties. These hitherto disputed shall suffice, not that I would take away any thing from Aubertus estimation in other points, but to show him and such as think his little book to be adorned with taunts, that they have used their sharp taunts against such as have not deserved. And finally that I might defend the truth, whereof it were meet that he also were studious, if he be a good man such as I think him to be: neither are these things devised by me, but set 
vide plin. lib. natural. histor. 33. cap. 4. qui ex auri pigmento aurum perfectioni factum fuisse scribit.  forth by most learned men, & confirmed with most certain arguments: notwithstanding least any man may think one to use only their authority, which Aubertus ought not utterly to contemn, for who will think that they have left unto us rashly or without credit those secrets even under a holy oath. Therefore this same part of philosophy which he so sharply doth taunt improve and cavil: I on the contrary dare boldly affirm, that it can never be sufficiently commended and praised according to desert. If we do behold only the miracles of nature which it bringeth out of his secret bosom, or the commodi●ities thereof, which are almost innumerable, besides the infinite things wherewith it doth open many arts. For to pass over all other, the virtue of the Philosopher's stone is such, and his excellency snch, that it is sufficient for the healing of most diseases and it showeth the true and exquisite preparations of medicines: but it is no marvel if the thing stick to them that are accustomed with most unclean things or with whom only custom maketh a law. But I do counsel such men either to learn better things, or not to envy those that are better taught, or at least that ●hey will not reprove things they know not. If not, yet we will not care for their enterprises, because we know that at the last truth shall have the victory, & with his brightness will drive away those darkness, & make all things manifest, as it is indeed.   

THE TRUE AND PERFECT SPAGERIKE PREPARATION OF MINERALS, animals, and vegetables with their use.  
Set forth by josephus Quercetanus of Armenia Doctor. Whereunto are added, divers rare secrets, not heretofore known of many. By I. H. practitioner in the Spagericall Arte.  
AT LONDON, Printed, Anno. Dom. 1591.   

¶ The spagyrical Preparation of Minerals and precious stones.  

And first of Gold, Chap. 1.  

De au●●  ALL medicines are taken out of things, mineral, animal, or vegetable, by preparation. Amongst the minerals gold only is most temperate and perfect, the which being brought in to thin leaves, is ministered by all the Greek and Arabian physicians, to strengthen nature against the passions of the heart, unto such as are much addited to sadness, and against all melancholy diseases, as we have showed in another place. Wherefore they prescribe it in their electuaries of pearls, and in laeticia Galeni (although some think it falsely ascribed unto Galen) in their Antidote of Coccus baphicus, otherwise called alkermes, in Aurea Alexandrina of Nicolas Mirepsi, and in his Analeptike electuary: In their diamargariton of Avicen his description & many other medicines, All which according to their nature and quality do exhilarate the heart, subdue melancholy and frenzies, restore the spirits, and strength decayed: and this they use to give without any other preparation. But the Chemical physicians do draw out of gold a true tyncture to cure the same diseases: and many other incurable griefs, specially the leprosy, canker, and other corrosive ulcers: and so make thereof a perfect wholesome medicine which may easily be carried by the meseraicall veins unto the liver, and so unto the heart, and through the whole body: where as being otherwise used, it helpeth little or nothing, but rather hunteth much, because it cannot be overcome by natural heat: for as the fire with any heat cannot burn or consume the same, much less the strongest stomach, heart, or liver of any man whatsoever: wherefore after this manner following you shall draw forth his tyncture.  

Of the tincture of Gold.  

tinctura auri.  THe tincture of gold is his colour, so separated from the body, that it remaineth altogether white, and is prepared thus. First ye must purge your gold by Antimony according to art, than Amallgame it with mercury, and set it in a furnes of reverberation until it become spongeous & light, and of a purple colour, & so that it cannot be brought to gold again, out of the which ye shall draw his tyncture with Acetum alcalisatum, by digesting it in Balneo 40. days, being close luted with hermes seal: The which ye shall afterward vapour away, and circulat it with Alcoholl vini, alcalisated, whereby his force shall be marvelously increased, for the curing of divers and sundry diseases, of the which tincture ʒ i. being mixed with ℥ i. of Aqua theriacalis, is taken every morning ℈ i. fasting for the space 10. days. This medicine is diaphoretical purging the superfluous and noisome humours of the whole body, by sweat, the white body of gold, which is true lune fixed, the tincture being drawn away (as afore) is by an expert practitioner in few days brought into Mercury: which being precipitated by himself into a red powder 8 grames thereof is given in wine or Aqua theriacalis to cure the dropsy and the pox, and that only by sweat. If thou cast this Mercury of gold upon a due proportion of his proper sulphur, low it and digest it philophically, then shalt ●hou make a most excellent medicine of all other to cure the leprosy, for it doth purify the blood that is corrupted, and cleanseth the whole body from all excrements, only by sweats, and maketh a man as it were young again. There are divers and sundry preparations made thereof, which here I do omit for brevity sake.    

Of Silver Cap. 2.  

De argento.  Silver which amongst all other metals obtaineth the second degree of perfection is also temperate, and doth some way emoulate the qualities of gold, which Physicians do minister against the same diseases especially against frenzies and all melancholy griefs, and to comfort the brain: It is put into the Electuary of peatles, laeticia Galeni, aurea alexandrina, and almost in all Antidotes wherein gold is used. Neither is it otherwise prepared then after the manner of gold only that it is brought into thin leaves and filings. But the spagerickes out of silver itself draw an oil, whereof 2 or 3, drops are given with water of Betony flowers, sage, or balm, against the falling sickness, and all diseases of the brain (as we have showed) and it is thus prepared: Then Calcine fine coppell silver with the oil of salt, so often that it can not be brought into his body again: and thenwash the calx or powder until it be sweet, and reverberate it: out of the which thou shalt draw forth his proper salt in balneo, then circulate it with the spirit of wine 15. days in a pelican to his perfect graduation: the menstrue being separated in balneo, there remaineth in the bottom, the oil of Lune fixed, which is the best medicine for the aforesaid purposes.   

Of Jron. Cap. 3.  

Do ferro.  THe ancient physicians used Iron especially the scales of steel to dry, and a string: and for that cause they quenched steel oftentimes in water, whereby the water did gather a vehement force of drying, which being drunk did cure the spleen: and the wine also wherein it is quenched doth help the colic and disenterie, & is good for those that are troubled with choler, and to strengthen weak 
Aeginet. lib. 7. Act. li. 10.  stomachs (as Aegneta and Actius have learnedly written) 
cap. 11. & lib. 14. cap. 24.  for A●tius in his 14. book reporteth that the scales of steel brought into powder is given by itself unto those that have the spleen especially to countrymen and such as are strong, which kind of remedy is much used now a days amongst Physicians for the curing of the same diseases: yet many of them condemn our mettalline remedies, and conclude that they are to be rejected as most venomous: notwithstanding the ancient Physicians have drawn many inward medicines out of metals, wherewith they helped many diseases, as it may be seen. Who then will disallow their due preparations, and extractions of their quintessences. Concerning Iron as it is not without biting, so by spagyrical preparation it looseth his corrosive qualities, because there is a certain sub till substance drawn out of it, or else it is brought into oil which may be ministered inwardly with more safetee and with great profit against the same diseases because it may be suffered of the natural heat, and it will also work kindly upon the body. This Galen also doth testify in his 9 book of the properties of simple medicines 42. chap. where he speaketh of the scales of brass, all scales saith he do dry very sore, but they differ among themselves, for some dry more, some less, because some are of a more gross, and some of a more thin essence, afterward he addeth: but all flakes or scales are strongly biting, whereby it is evident that the matter of their substance is not thin but rather gross, for amongst those things which have that quallitye, that which is the thinnest is least biting. The Spagyrikes therefore do draw out of Iron, but especially of steel a most subtle substance, which also with the fire of reverberation they make thinner, and thereof prepare crocus martis: out of the which afterward they draw their oil which is a most excellent and no biting medicine against the Diarrheam, lienteria, Disenteria, & flux of the liver, a notable medicine for the stomach, and against all issues of blood as well inward as outward, if it be mixed with conserve of Roses or comfery, being prepared and confected after this manner.  
Rec. the filings of steel, wash it often with salt water, & then afterward with fresh water, than put thereon sharp vinegar that it may be covered four fingers high, let it stand certain days in the sun, pouring on fresh vinegar oftentimes that the filings may be made subtle. This ye shall reverberate a whole day in an open vessel until it be brought into a fine light red powder by the force of fire, the which you may use: Then with his sharp menstrue or the spirit of wine well prepared, you may draw easily forth his spirit, whereof ye may make his oil, whereof one drop is given in a convenient decoction, or mingled with some astringent conserve, to the uses afore said: In this manner also is a laudable medicine made out of Iron: Calcine the filings of Iron in a violent fire with the flower of sulphur until all the filings be come red, and till the stinking earth be vanished away: reverberat this the space of a whole day, and it will come, to a very fine purple powder, the which as I say before may be kept for your use.  

Balsamum martis. 
Balsamum martis.   
Upon the filings of Iron often washed with salt water, power sharp vinegar, that it may be covered four fingers above your filings, set it upon warm ashes eight days every day stirring the matter: and separate the vinegar which will be coloured red, and pouring on new vinegar again. And that so long till the vinegar be no more coloured red: which being taken away take the powder that remained in the bottom, and sub lime it with a like portion of shall armoniac: the same sublimate ye shall return again so often upon his feeces, and sublime again until they appear of the colour of a Ruby, than cast all into scalding water that the salt may dissolve, which done by and by put on cold water, & the feeces of Mars will remain in the bottom, like the calxe of gold, power away the water, and power on fresh that the balm may be made sweat. In the aforesaid order you may make crocus veneris and balsamum veneris.    

Of Coper. Cap. 4.  

De Aere  THe Physicians do use copper diversly prepared in their plasters and unguentes for chi urgerie, viz. For Emplastrum Apostolicum Nicolai Alexandrim, and Viride aeris, Emplastrum divinum Nicolai Praepositi, unguenium Apostolorum Auicenae and Egyptiacum Mesue. All which do cleanse vehemently, but not without some biting, for they are sharp: out of the which notwithstanding by often washings before they be mingled the sharpness is taken away, and they be made in manner of Epulotica, medicines most apt to cleanse ro●ten: and hollow ulcers. The Ch●micall physicians prepare out of the said copper other medicines against the same diseases, and to cure all eating hollow and rotten ulcers, much more excellent, which will work without any biting or pain: Calcine therefore your copper after the common manerthen out of that cum acida muria, being prepared and Alcolisated, you shall according to art draw forth his green spirit in Balneo, until the menstrua be no more green, separate it in Balneo, and that which remaineth dissolve in a moist place, and it will come to a clear oil, which must be circulated with, vini dulcedine, that it may take away all the sharpness of the menstrua, and then you shall have a most excellent medicine to heal all the aforesaid ulcers if it be mingled with butter.  
Out of copper also calcined and reverberated with the proper menstrua of vitriol, that it may be covered 10. fingers there is drawn a clear blue vitriol: they being circulated together in Balneo 15. days. And then the menstrua being separated by distillation in ashes: This vitriol of copper being made sweet with convenient washings, & rubisied by calcination is good to cure all maling ulcers, and to take a way the hardness, if it be put into a fistula that is hardened with a tough skin, and to take away all proud flesh without pain: it helpeth the flesh that groweth in the neck of the blather if it be mingled with any convenient plaster: and put in as it ought to be with a wax candle. Misi, chalcitis Calcanthum vulgar. Sorry, and the rest of that sort may in like manner be prepared to cure all malign ulcers, & very effectually to cleanse all fistulas without biting or pain, for by these means they shall lose their corrosive quality, & burning nature or strength.   

Of Lead. Chap. 5.  

De Plumbo  Lead is of a cooling quality (as Galen saith in his 9 book of simples,) and therefore it is good for hollow, cankered, and rotten ulcers either by itself, or mixed with certain other things, whereof Ceruse and red lead are made by art, which the physicians use against the inflammation of the eyes when they would refrigerate, dry, repel or bind: & thereof they make their unguentes with cold waters. They are also put into unguentum album rasis, citrinum, & diapompholygoes, it is put also into plasters called by their names, as of ceruse and red lead.  
These are destitute of all manner of biting, and the physicians use them to close up ulcers withal. Many do use only 
Gal. 9 simp.  a plate of lead to dry up ulcers, other some use burned lead, which doth more effectually dry up ulcers, and is more commodious for those that are rebellious, according to Galéns his judgement. But by this praeperation following, which is better, it is made more excellent to dry and heal all manner of malign wounds and inveterat ulcers, which preparation is made after this manner following.  
Take lead well calcined, out of the which with distilled vinegar Alcalisated and prepared as it ought to be, y●e shall draw out the essence in Balneo, and this ye shall do so often times until all the lead be dissolved: and by these means let it be purged from his leprosy and all impurities: Then separate the menstrue in Balneo, and that which remaineth in the bottom of the vessal dissolve again in Alcoole vini tartarisato, and circulate all together certain days to take away the sharpness of the menstrue: and by these means you shall make of lead a most sweet sugar and temperate, most friendly to our nature, serving for many infirmities. This in a moist place is dissolved into oil a most excellent medicine to heal all manner of malign ulcers in short space: Of the same is made a most precious balm against the pains and inflammations of the eyes, so that it be first well dulcifyed & prepared. The like ye may make of tin, whereof among the old physicians there was no use that I know of. Moreover you may so deal with tucia, litarge, the true cadmia, spodium, and pompholix: all which may be well prepared & made so gentle that without any biting they will take away the spots and overgrowinge of the eyes, assuaging the inflammations and great pains of the same, curing all ulcers without pain and close them up.  

Balsamum saturni.  

Balsamum saturni.  TAke the aforesaid salt of lead being dulcerated with the spirit of wine, and circulat it 15. da●es, then separate the menstrue by distillation, and put on fresh and circulate it again putting thereto a fittewaight or quantity of the salt of tartar crystalline, and you shall have a balm sweeter than sugar, which will marvelously prevail against all malign ulcers, and diseases of the eyes.   

The making oil of lead, told me of a learned D. of Germany.  
TAke lead calcined, and set it in a strong fire to vitrify, than beat it to powder, and draw away his essence with distilled vinegar, as is showed afore, than vapour away that vinegar until it come to the thickness of honey, then while it is hot put it into a retort of glass, and distill it with a gentle fire, until there appear certain white fumes, then change the receiver and augment the fire according to art, until all the fumes be come forth, the which is the oil of saturn. This ye shall rectify many times, the which is thus to be understood. Calcine, dissolve, vapour, and distill as ye did afore: but if it happen that all the matter be not dissolved ye shall take that powder that remained in the bottom of your matters and dry it in a crusible, then grind it on a stone and dissolve it in fresh vinegar, and distill and vapour as afore is said: then if thou wilt make another oil thereof to beautify the face, and to dry up old ulcers, and to destroy fistulas. Take the said powder after the oil is distilled from it, calcine it, and dissolve it with fresh vinegar, and vapour it away to the thickness of honey, then let it cool and one part will turn to salt being very white in the bottom, & the oil will be yellow and swim on the top the which ye shall power of into another glass, for it is the sweet oil of saturn, the which if one drop be put into fair water it will be turned like milk, the which is used to beautify the face, and is called lac virgins. Then if ye will use the salt that remained in the bottom to beautify: take the quantity of a small nut, and dissolve it with the juice of lemondes and there with anoint the face slightly. Also if ye rectify the said oil in Balneo, there will come forth an aqua vite more stronger than of wine, the which serveth to dissolve gold after it is thoroughly calcined: that being done there will remain in the bottom of the glass a white matter: having an oil swimming thereon of a yellowish colour, the which being drunk is singular good against spasmus, and sincope: The first oil not being rectified is good to whiten scares, & cicatrises, against burnings and noli me tangere, and herpes: The rectified oil is good against cancres, and such like sores. This salt is by nature cold and dry, and is used with good success in hot and moist bodies, where the liver sendeth forth certain vapours like fat scabs, and viscous phlegm, and such like: it helpeth all weeping wounds and ulcers in few days. Being mixed with oil of turpentine & anointed, it cureth convulciones and resolutions, being mixed with oil of camomile, it dissolveth tumours, and suppresseth burnings & scaldings 3. or 4. grains being drunk helpeth the colic, being mixed with oil of roses, it cooleth and drieth marvelously all heats, scabs, and itch. etc.    

Of Quicksilver. Chap. 6.  

Lib. 9 simp. cap. 59  THe Physicians in times past have made sundry experiments of quicksilver: but Galen doth plainly confess, that he never made any trial of it, either by ministering it inwardly or outwardly. Paulus Aegineta writeth this of Mercury in his 7 book: Many have given to drink Mercury burned to ashes, mingled with other spices to those that have had the colic and pain in the bowels: latter Physicians do use crude Mercury to kill the worms in children as Mathiolus reporteth in the 5. of his commentaries upon Dios●crides out of brassavola. Many use crude Mercury to cure the pox and make thereof pills which they call De barberossa: the description whereof Rondelecius a learned man (my master) hath showed in his book de morbo gallico. In outward diseases many do only use precipitate prepared with Aqua fortis which is good to heal all malign ulcers, especially of the pox, and that without pain if it be well prepared. With this remedy my father (A man of godly memory, and one that deserved well of all men for his physic) did use to take away the flesh of the neck of the blather, whereof when he had showed me the true preparation, I used it often with most happy success both to cure that disease, as also the ulcer of the blather: whereof Steph. caretonus, an Appoticary famous both for learning and experience was an eye witness. For a certain noble man friend to us both, which had been sick three years of a perilous ulcer in the neck of his bladder, by means of a fowl Gonorrhoea unperfectly cured. At the last after long use of Guaicum (whereof they say diet is made) and many remedies so often reiterated taken, and cast in, and all those by the counsel of the learned Physician Doctor. Isandon, this only remedy put in by a wax candle, or small ●ent, within fifteen days he was fully cured. Thus much by the way of digression: but to return to Mercury, these before named are almost all the remedies which are made thereof, saving that it is also put in ointments. And many diseases otherwise uncurable have enforced Physicians (even without the counsel of Galen) to search out these properties, whereof at the length experience (the mistress of all things) hath made them certain. For the truth which consisteth in reason ought to be manifested unto the sense, and experience is not perceived but by the sense, as Galen testifieth in his 6. book De sanitate tuenda. It is necessary (saith he) that those things which are to be thought upon be considered by reason, and afterward certified by experience to the intent that reason by experience may be confirmed. And in the second of the same book he writeth thus: the force of reason showeth the strength of the experiment. Who could otherwise prove that the Cyaneum and Armenia stones do help melancholy affections? parsley to hurt women with child, and to do no good against the falling sickness? That Harmodactiles could purge phlegm out of the joints? that Lapis judaicus and Lyncis should break the stone? that pearls should strengthen the heart, or that Napellus is so deadly a poison, save only that by the practice and working of the foresaid things it had been proved by divers experiences▪ In like manner by experience it is found out that Mercury is a fit remedy to cure many infirmities. As for example Doctor joubertus a learned man, lately tried it to be a most excellent remedy to cure the wounds made with shot, who thereof composeth his Triapharmacum. Neither is it to be marveled, when as with slender preparations it becometh so forcible, if with far better it attaineth the highest degree of perfection amongst medicines to cure many, and those otherwise uncurable diseases, as well inward as outward. This excellent preparation of Mercury is hard and difficult and not only unknown unto many Physicians and Poticarieso●f one sort, but very few of the spagerikes have truly attained thereunto. For Mercury is a flying spirit having a certain arsenical air very hurtful to the body: whereof at length being cleansed and fixed, are made so excellent medicines▪ & those so wholesome: (for it is the property of every perfect spirit to quicken the body) that it seemeth not credible except unto such as are cunning and experienced, I wish heartily and desire earnestly (lest my judgement may seem different from reason) that the learned would consider the nature of these three Mercuries, the common Mercury, the Mercury sublimate, and Mercury precipitate: I know that there is not any man except he be altogether ignorant, but he will affirm that the sublimate Mercury is more venomous, then either the crude which some do minister in pills inwardly to kill worms (as is aforesaid) or the precipitate: whereof Paulus Aegineta, seemeth to speak where he intrcateth of Mercury brought into ashes, which in time past was given for the colic, which is made thus, or at least with sulphur. And many men at this day without any other preparation than with bare and simple washings do give Mercury precipitate to cure the pox. (as Matheolus witnesseth) neither do we perceive although it purge upward and downward, that it doth hurt like unto the sublimat, whereof half a scruple will kill a man. If this which is true be granted, that mercury sublimat is stronger poison than the crude, or pr●ecipate, how cometh it to pass (I pray you) that sublimation (the only purifying which all philosophers do use) I mean this spirit exalted should get such malignity & venomous force. Some will answer peradventure our Auberius, that this doth not come by sublimation (by which it is certain all things are purified) but by carrying with it a certain subtle sharpness from the things that are mingled with it. Let us then examine this, of one pound of crude mercury, another pound of crude vitriol, and as much common salt, not armonicke (as Matheolus thinketh) mingled altogether, at a soft fire, and ground on a stone, or mortar, that it might be well incorporated, and brought into a powder, and put in to a subliming glass, giving fire thereto by degrees for the space of 40. hours, is made your mercury by sublimate. If then he draw venomous quality from the things it is mingled withal, of necessity it must be from salt and vitriol. But that common salt and vitriol do not hurt as poison. Infinite numbers do daily prove the same which eat salt in their meats, and drink vitriol water in their baths: And many other throughout Germany and Italy do use the spirit and oil of vitriol for the curing of the falling sickness, the stone and asthma, with great ease and marvelous profit. 
simp. ca 60. lib. 5.  And Dioscorides speaking of vitriol saith thus: it killeth the broad worms in the belly ʒ i. of it being taken inward. Being drunk with water, it helpeth against the poison of toadstooles: and dissolved in water, dropped into the nose purgeth the head. By this it doth sufficiently appear that so great a venomous quality is not in Mercury sublimat by means of vitriol: much less it is to be thought of common salt. Finally if so great malignity were in it by means of the salt or vitriol, because it carrieth up the spirits with him this malignity also would be in Mercury precipitat, for the strong water wherewith it is made is compounded of the spirits of vitriol and salt: with the which also the physicians make their precipitate, which many of them do minister without further preparation: which albeit through his great sharpness by means of the spirits enclosed in the strong water it purgeth the body violently, yet it is well known unto many learned men at this day, that it doth not hurt as the sublimat doth. This malignity therefore in the sublimat cometh by how much the more it is made subtle and stronger by exaltation and flieth with a small heat: but in the precipitate it is not so, for it is mortified and so fixed with that philosophilall fire the strong water, that it will suffer great heat, neither can that malign air be sent unto the heart (if it contain any) which by nature is easily assaulted with all poisons, because that the natural heat cannot cause the precipitate to fume, which no violence of fire can cause to vanish away, as by certain experiences is approved: the fixing therefore of his spirit is the true preparation that either taken inward or applied outward cannot hurt: the which many go about to do sundry ways (I speak of them which seek his preparation only for physic) which think by pouring on the water twice or thrice upon the feces (which they call caput mortuum) and so distill it again that the true preparation of so great a medicine may be attained, but they are not a little deceived, specially because they are not careful to take away his corrosive, or else know not how to do it: for truly Mercury precipitat can never be a sufficient profitable medicine so long as the corrosive quality taken of the strong water is joined with it, which is not taken away as many suppose with common washings, but with far other preparations and dulcifyinge, which being unknown no perfect thing can be wrought, therefore ye mustworke after this order following, specially for the making of turpetum that wonderful medicine.  
Rec. Calcis terrae pellucidae & fixae, Talcum well calcined, the 
●urpeti mineralis descriptio.  which calcination shall be showed in another place, of each one pound, make of them a strong capital lie, in the which ye shall boil one pound of Mercury, first five times sublimed & every time quickened according to art, the space of 7. hours, and so shall ye attain unto the perfect purging of Mercury, and the beginning of true fixing to all works: for these calces are so fixing, that with sublimations reiterated upon them at the length, the mercury shall be fixed. This mercury so prepared, dissolve with regali foetido, and proper menstrua: dissolve also by itself ʒ iij, of the mercury of Antimony well prepared, and ℥ i. of gold purged by antimony according to art. All these dissolutions put into a body of glass, and the vessel will be darkened or cloudy, set that glass in an Athenor giving them soft fire until they wax clear, then increase the fire, and distill away the water by alimbecke from the feces till they be dry, pouring on the water again upon the dead head four times: then put on new fixing water that the matter may be covered 4 fingers, set that to digest 2. or 3. days, then distill it twice or thrice upon the feces, and toward the end give it fire of sublimation that those things which are not truly mortified, may rise and be exalted, which must be kept a part, for they serve not for our purpose: then take the dead mass, and bring it to powder, and put it in a scaruell stirring it the space of 12. hours in the second degree of the fire in a fornes of reverberation until it come to the redness of a Salamander, out of the which ye shall draw all the sharpness and venom on this manner.  
Rec. Of the sleume of vitriol and alum ana. lb. ij. fs. distilled vinegar. lb. ij. calcis terrae nostrae pellucidae ae fixae ℥ 4. sulis corneoli cristallint ℥ i. whites of eggs 20. distill all these by alimbeke twice upon the feces: put three pound of this water to one pound of the powder of Mercury prepared as afore, and distiil it away from the feces in alimbeke 4. times: and the last time distill it until the feces be dry. This done grind your powder upon a stone, pouring to it again new fixing water, distill it again four times as before. Then you shall fix and make sweat thy mercury, by distilling from it the Alchooli vini five times, putting on fresh every time. This the chyminicall physicians call precipitate or turbith mineral, by cause it purgeth gross and slimy humours, eight grains of this is given with conserve of Betony, and aqua theriacalis, to cure the pox, due purgations being used before.  
With two drams of the extract of wild cucumbers one dram of the extract of Hermodactiles & ℈ ss. of this precipitat is made a mixture, whereof half a scruple is mingled with two drams of aquae theriacalis, and is given for the gout 4. or 5. times according to the age and hardness of the disease, and the strength of the sick body in the spring & Autumn. For without any grief it doth marvelously purge the sharp excrements, and draweth them out of the joints. For to cure the dropsy there is made this composition which doth purge the sharp excrements and strengthen the nutritue parts.  
Rec. Of this precipitat aforesaid ℈ i. the extract of alhandall and Elaterium ana. one scruple & a half, of the extraction of Elebori nigri, well prepered and Rhuberbe, ana one scruple the essence of red coral and yellow sanders ana. 2. scruples spiritus vitrioli i. scruple olei mafliichini and cinamomi ana. half a scruple mingle them with the powder of cubebes, and the muslage of gum tragagant and make it into pills. The dose is from half a scruple to one scruple: it must be given twice in a week, if their strength will bear it.  
If it be mingled with diaphoretical things it only provoketh sweats, and by that means helpeth also many diseases: mingled alone with butter it cureth cankered and eating ulcers specially that come of the pox. Likewise the fistula and all callowes matters.  
Ex triapharmaco, and the aforesaid precipitate is made a plaster, which being put into the neck of the bladder with a wax candle or small tent as it ought, cureth the ulcers of it, and taketh away the flesh without pain or danger. The fixing water for the said turpetum is made, ex Climia, lapide Sedenegi, lapide perlato, marchasitarum sulphur rubicundo, lacerta 
Aqua fixatoria pro ●urpeto.  viridi & rubra, halinitro, & sale aluminoso, this made after the manner of Aqua fortis: among all waters of graduation, this is the chiefest and very fixing, if any attain unto it truly.  
Of mercury also are made other medicines: for there is made of it being first prepared as it ought Amalgamy, with gold which is put into a bolts head, and closed with Hermes seal, & so being kept in a temperate fire 20. days is brought to a yellowish fixed powder, the sign of perfection is when it will not vapour away by force of fire, neither be quickened again in water. This medicine is Diaphoretical, and is ministered for the forenamed diseases, specially to cure the pox only by sweats. There is also made of Mercury a balm with the water of the calex of egge-shelles and tartar, also a most excellent oil for fistulas, all ulcers, and callosites, this shall suffice to be spoken of Mercury, so that this one thing being noted, that the whole perfection of this medicine consisteth in the fixing and dulcifying of it.   

Of Arsenic Chap. 7.  

De arsenico.  Amongst the corrosive medicines which by the extreme sharpness of heat do destroy our natural heat, or convert it into fiery quality, and by their malignant nature dissolve the natural moisture, consume all the substance of the body, and cause putrefaction with stench: the Physicians do account Arsenic, sandrake, and orpiment: and therefore do judge the use of those medicines very perilous in chirurgery neither by any means necessary because they are so venomous and contrary to our nature. This they may very well say if they knew not their true preparations, whereby they are made apt to cure many outward infirmities. These medicines are said to be venomous, for their malign quality and sharpness. But that evil quality consisteth in the spirit, stinking air, or black smoke which it sendeth out with a small heat, but the sharpness is only in the salt: This venomous and black smoke when it is raised by natural heat doth weak the matter of the part, corrupteth it, & oftentimes killeth, as if one had drunk poison, if it be not laid too far from the principal parts, specially the skin being wounded, which happened to a certain woman: and Fernelius the chief of physicians of our time witnesseth, that he saw it: seeing that malign quality is in the black smoke, it must be altogether fixed: for by fixing as we said before in the chapter of mercury all the venom is taken away from the spirits, as from arsenic, mercury, orpiment, & others: The sharpness is taken away by extracting the salt, which may be done by their proper washings, as we have before showed, by which reason arsenic shall not hurt, but profit much in local medicines for poisoned wounds, the wolf, fistula, canker and gangrena, if it be duly prepared, fixed, and sweetened. Of which true preparation Dioscorides seemeth secretly to entreat of, when as he speaketh of that 
simple. 5. cap. 71.  metalline sandaraca, which in the beginning of the chapter he writeth to smell of sulphur. It is given with mulsum to those that cough out rotten matter, and to those that are short wound, it is very well given in drink with rosin. It is very hurtful to give sandrake unprepared: when as Galen doth witness, it is of a burning quality, unto whose opinion Dioscorides also agreeth in the sixth book 29. chapter of simples. 
Lib. 9 simp. cap. 53.  Therefore it will not be amiss or hurtful to use arsenic, or any other corrosive medicine being prepared in chirurgery specially, the preparation thereof is thus: sublime arsenic 3. times with salt prepared and rubifyed vitriol & the scales of Iron that ye may purge it, which afterward ye shall fix with salt peeter, giving fire by degrees the space of 24. hours, and it will be a mass whiter than snow. Resembling the colour of pearls, which ye shall dissolve in warm water to draw out his salt, and there will remain in the bottom a very white powder which being dried, ye shall fix with the like weight of olei incerativiex talco confecti, and set it in a furnace of reverberation on whole day: then again dissolve it in warm water, that the powder may remain white fixed & sweet, mhich in a moist place will turn into a fat thick oil like buter, swaging pains: for like as arsenic not prepared, bringeth great pains, and by the malign qualities is poison: so contrariwise by his fixing he looseth that, and worketh without pain, and is a profitable medicine for curing of poisoned wounds, if 1. ounce of it be mingled with 2. ounces of oil of myrrha.  
Many also sublime arsenic 3. times cum calce fixa & colchothare, then dissolve it in aqua stigia, fixatoria, ac convenient, for that purpose distilling the water often from the feces, than reuerberate the caput mortuum, which will come to a white powder fixed, from which the alkalie is drawn out with the alchoole of wine, and so is made sweet, the use of this is to cure fistulas and cankers.   

Of Sulphur chap. 8.  

De sulphur.  SVlfur is the balm of the lungs, which the Chemist do 3. or 4. times sublime with colcothar to purge it from his impurities, and make thereof many profitable medicines, to cure asthmatis, if sugar be mixed with it: also of the flowers of sulphur and his proper menstrua Therebinthinat, digested certain days in a dry heat, there is drawn out a balm like to a rubine, the menstrua being separated, there remaineth a very red oil of sulphur, which must be circulated with vin● distillato & alcholisato, and be this means is a balm drawn out of sulphur, whereof 3. or 4 drops is given with water of Isope to those that are short wound and spit rotten matter, It healeth all manner of wounds quickly, etc.  
Notwithstanding, the ancient Physicians, seem to have thought that sulfur did only cure outward griefs, that it had a drawing quality, and was of a hot temperature, and thin essence as Galen and Aegineta wrote, and that it was 
Galen. 9 Si●pli. cap. 36. Aegin. li. 7.  good against venomous beasts, specially against the Sea Turtle, and Dragon, either cast on dry or mingled: yet Galen seemeth to allow the use of sulfurie waters by these words. The baths or drinking of sweet waters, is very hurtful to the sick of the dropsy: But of salt sulpherie and pitchy waters is very profitable. Dioscorides, writeth that sulphur eaten with a rear egg, helpeth those that are short wound: But the Spagirickes have attained to many things unknown to the ancient Physicians. Finally of sulphur is also madeth sour oil by a bell, which is a very profitable remedy for the teeth, and cureth also cancered ulcers.   

Of Vitriolle. Cap. 9  
GAlene and Aegineta, as●irmeth that vitriol doth most 
De vitriolo. Galen. 9 Simpli. Agineta. 〈◊〉. 7.  effectually preserve moist flesh, if it be powdered with it: Dioscorides also writeth that the same drunken with water, helpeth against the poison of Toad stools, and for outward griefs it is put into Emplastrum Diachalcites, to cure ulcers: The later Physicians make an oil of vitriol for the falling sickness, and other diseases▪ where of Matheolus and many other more make mentione: But we make many medicines of vitriol as his spirit, a sweet and sour oil his Colcothar, Salt, and Ochre. The spirit is driven forth by the ix alimbeke, powringe on again all ways the liquor upon the dead head: and circulating it in Balneo 8. days, this is profitaable against the falling sickness, but the phlegm being separated from the red Colcothar; by force of fire there is drawn out a sour oil, which is made sweet by circulating it with the spirit of wine, and is given with succory water or with Ptysane in rotten agues, for with the sourness, it driveth away rottenness, as the syrup of the juice of L●mondes doth, and putteth away obstructiones with the subtility of the parts: Wherefore it is very effectual to help the obstructions of the bowels, liver and spleen, sometime a few drops of it are mingled with the conserve of the flowers of Succory, and is a medicine of a pleasant taste to quench immoderate thirst, yet the ignorant faith that this medicine is sharp and therefore to be rejected, but those good men are far deceived for it being well prepared is sweetish, and the juice of Lemones the use where of is allowed in Physic; is much sourer than it: as with the which Pearls are dissolved, and vessels of tin eaten thorough, and that juice given alone would hurt the stomach as much as the oil of Vitriol, but mixed with sugar it restraineth with his sourness the rottenness of burning fevers, & the malignity of Pestilent agues, which thing also oil of vitriol doth without hurt of the stomach, not by itself, but mixed with convenient things, as many Spagiricke Physicians at this day have experimented, who also in outward causes, use the unsavoury and sweetened Colcothar, to dry up ulcers and to staunch blood.   

Of Antimoni. Cap. 10.  

De antimonio.  NOt only for outward griefs but also for inward, are medicines made of Antimoni. The chemical Physicians draw out of it a most excellent medicine, which they call the tincture of antimoni, for they minding to try the force of Antimoni in man's body, feared not to seek out the secrets of it, especially when they perceived it to be the greatest purger of gold, and that it could drive away all impurities. By which means they labour to seek out the qualities of Antimoni, that they might prove whether it would work the same effect in purging of man's body, as it was evident to work in the purging of gold, at the length they obtained their desired purpose, and found out the great excellency of this medicine: both to restore & renew the body of man, specially to cure the Mophew, the Dead evil, the Wolf, and all malign ulcers, for that tincture purgeth black blood and all other viscious humours without any manifest evacuationes, but only by corrections of ill humours. Let no man think that I speak of Vitrum Antimonij, which many unskilful do use now a days with great danger, it is a noisome medicine which by his sharpness provoketh the expulsive power, and purgeth both upward and downward with great vexation, the which I can by no means allow. For all diseases are not cured with violence, but with fit and convenient purgations, For as Hipocrates saith. 1. Aphori. if such things be purged as aught to be purged it doth help, and they bear it easily: if not contrariwise. But all true Philosophers therefore avoid these vitrifications, and not seek their medicines or tinctures in them, use therefore this method following.  
Rec. The purest part of Antimoni, that is his Mercury, and subline it 3. times, that nothing remain in the bottom, so shall ye have all his sulfur with his proportionate mercury, which is called the true Lily: this digest in a reverberatory being closed with hermes seal, in degrees of the fire until it wax white, and afterward there appear the colour of a Rubine. Out of the which with Alcoole glacial Cornioli, that it may be covered 8. fingers▪ you shall draw out the precious tincture which ye shall circulate in a Pellicand, to his perfect graduation and fixing.  
It is fixed also Cum terra muria, and with washings the alkaly is drawn forth, and there remain the white flowers of Antimoni, which do strongly move sweat if you give 3. ●s. of them with water of Cardus Benedictus, a most excellent medicine for intermitting fevers.  
For outward griefs there is drawn out of Antimoni, a very read sulfur with tartar and nite●, or only with a lie made of quick lime and ashes, and many ways an oil is drawn out, all which are profitable to cure festered ulcers, these shall suffice to be spoken of us for the preparations of metalline things, of the which God willing we will entreat shortly in an other book more plainer.   

Of the true preparation of Gemes and precious stones. Cap. 11.  
OF sundry stones are made sundry healthful medicines, chiefly out of precious stones, which of all Phisitiones are though according to the property of the whole substance, & according to their quality do take away sounding, do with stand corruption, to strengthen the heart, & defend it from all kind of poison. By reason where of Electuariae Analepi, Nicolai, Myrep. Diamargarit, Antidotum●e gemmis, confectio ex Hyacinth & Alkermes, are prescribed unto sick persons in pestilent diseases, and continual burning fevers. Into which are put Pearl, sapphires, Smarages, Granates, jasintes, Sarda that is Corneola, jasper and Coral, which kind of stones may be worthily said to excel the rest, both for their temperance and for their great clearness, which are neither lost nor spoiled by any heat of fire, for the only fixation of their spirits, which may be sufficiently perceived in them, for which cause in many respects they may be compared with gold for the cure of diseases. Among the rest they be called precious stones, even as gold among all other metals is called the most precious. And although the quality of these stones are cordial, yet every one hath his proper and peculiar virtue to cure sundry diseases: The sapphire being drunk doth specially help them that be stung with a Scorpion. The lacent also doth help wounds of venamos beasts, and causeth sleep. The Smarage not only drunk but also hung about the neck, helpeth melancholy diseases and striveth against the falling sickness, as it were against an enemy. The jasper either hung about the neck that it may touch the mouth of the stomach, or else 
Galen. 9 Simp. cap. 26. lib. 5. Cap. 107.  borne in a ring comforteth the stomach: which Galen writeth that he made proof.  
It also helpeth to hasten the birth as Diosorides, saith: Pearls take away sounding. Coral by his binding doth strengthen the stomach and stayeth spitting of blood. All which precious stones the Physicians use against the aforesaid diseases, without any other preparation, saving bringing them into most fine powder as Alcool, the which surely profiteth very little for strengthening the heart, if the pure essence be not first taken out of it, which only the Spagitickes art teacheth to do: according to which the tincture of coral is drawn out as followeth, which is said to be given not only to the aforesaid uses, but to purge the blood, and against the Morphew and Herpes, and to cure all the diseases of the Matrix.  
Calcine the best red coral in a furnace of reverberation in the second degree of the fire, lest their tincture by 
Tinctura corallorum.  the violence of the fire consume away, then grind them upon a stone very fine and put them into a glass, with Menstruum caeleste distillatum, cum proprio suo saccaro, that it may be covered 7. fingers high, then lente the glass with Hermes seal, and set it in Balneo. x. days until the menstrua have taken away all the tincture, then separate the menstrua in Balneo, and there will remain a precious tincture in the bottom, of which a little drop is given with water of succory or fumetory: That celestial menstrua is the true menstrua of algemmes, which dissolveth them with true solution, and from thence is the true essence taken: and this all learned Physicians will judge to be more profitable for to cure the body, than the only powder of them: that menstrua doth also make soft and dissolve the adamant stone, which contrary to the opinion of many doth take away poison, if upon them be cast the salt drawn out of the blood of a goat, and distilled together, reiterating the water 3. times upon the deatheade● let pass the preparations of the Adamant and also of the rubine, because they be stones of great price and fit only for Kings.  
You shall also rightly dissolve pearls with the aforesaid menstrua, but if ye want it you shall use Acido menstruum alcolisato▪ 
Essentia margaritarum.  with his equal proportion of the spirit of wine also alcolisated, they do the same also with the juice of Lemondes and Barberes purified and filtered, and prepared as it ought to be, with ablutiones you shall take away the sharpness from the Pearls, if any remain in them by means of the menstrua 2. or 3. grains of this essence is given with convenient broth to strengthen the heart, and to refresh the powers, this essence doth resist putrification about the heart, the pestilence and poisons, & is given against resolution of sinews, convultions' frenzes, and unto those that are waxed lean thorough age or sickness. Arnoldus writeth that the dissolution of pearl comforteth natural heat, helpeth the trembling of the heart, and properly purifieth the blood of the heart, and many diseases are cured by them. In the same order ye may draw out of the other aforesaid gems their proper essence, & may have their true preparation to cure many diseases: In this order ye shall prepare the little stones of sponges. Lapis, jodaicus, Lincis, and Crystal to break the stone in the rains.  
The quintaessence of bolearmeni & terra lemnij do marvelous much good against pestilent diseases, and do withstand deadly and venomous poisons that they cannot hurt. But if ye will use them to suppress blood they need no other preparation, seeing that it is the yearthes' property to thicken and to bind, as it is of the essence to quicken, so doth terra samia, and the stone called Hematites and Cornalino, which a learned Philosopher shall easily attain unto.   

The spagirical preparations of medicines, which are taken out of animals. Cap. 1.  

De triplicimumia.  MEdicines which are made out of animals, do obtain the second degree of perfection, for they have more force than they that were wont to be prepared out of vegetables, which do perish with less heat or cold, and therefore is easily destroyed, that they scarcely profit any thing at all for the cure of diseases, especially when they are commonly prepared, among animals man by right obtaineth the first place, out of whose 3. fold Mummia, that is to say: liquid, fresh and dry, or transmarina, of the which are made sundry most whole-some medicines to cure infinite sorts of diseases. This last Mummia only was known to the ancient Physicians, which was nothing else but man's body, laid in the 
De his consul. strab. Auicennam & serapio. Cap. 304.  tomb inbalmed with Frankincense, Myrra, and Aloes. By which kind of funeral the Syrians, Egyptians, Arabians, and jews, used in old time to keep their dead bodies from corrupting, which nativemummia, the Grecians called Pissasphaltus: for they with that kind of pitch did inbalm their dead bodies, which Mummia they used both inwardly and outwardly to stay blood, wheresoever it broke out, & to strengthen the stomach and heart and to cure othr infinite diseases, specially when the fragments of bones being cast away, the earth and flesh being dry, they took up a liquor concreted and gathered in the hollow parts of the man's body, but at this day we want that true & native mummia of the ancients, and the Physicians and Apothicaries in steed of it, use the dried flesh and that without any preparation, all be it out of it there may be taken or drawn a certain pure essence, which may after a sort be compared in virtue and property with the true Mummia, rather than that earthly substance or only dried flesh, which scarcely availeth any thing to cure bodies, therefore thus thou shalt prepare the common Mummia.  

Praeparatio mumiae siccae.  Take the best Mummia broken and cut in little pieces 1. pound, put it in a glass with as much Spiritus vini alcolisati & tere binthinati clari menstrui ana, that it may be covered 4. fingers: then shut it with hermes seal, and putrefy it in the first degree of the fire. 15. days until the menstrua be of the colover of a Rubine, the which ye shall separate in Balneo for the said purpose again, & in the bottom thou shalt find the true tincture of mummia, the which ye shall circulate with the spirit of wine certain days and so thou shalt have a more pure essence, which is most profitable to the cure of all poisons, either alone, or if it be mixed with theriakle. Against the plague it is a most excellent medicine, that it cannot be sufficiently commended: It defendeth all bodies from corruption, and is profitably given to cure Phthisis & Asthmatis, if it be mingled with the conserve of Enula campane and violets, it is also profitable against many other diseases, the feces which remained are put into unguentes to suage pains and aches. 
Praep arati mummiae liquidae.   
Now remaineth to speak of the Mummia, that the Chimistes know of which are 2. sorts, fresh and liquid, which they think best to be thus prepared.  
Rec. The pure and best liquid Mummia Alcoolis vini ana 1. pound, mix them well together in a glass, and digest it in warm horse dung or Balneo 12. days, afterward distill it as it ought, reiterating the distillation twice again, then digest it again 20. days and distill it the third time, then leave thy glass in the heat of dung or Balneo, till there be 2. essences perceived, one of a golden colour, and the other white, let these essences be taken forth and circulated with his like menstrue in a Pelican many days, always separating the feces and the impure from that which is subtle and pure, and so with reiterating his digestions and rectifications you shall have a most excellent medicine: of this is given every month in the full moon I. Scrup▪ to them that have the falling sickness, it doth mitigate that disease and driveth it away, for it is his proper Alexipharmacum, also it purifieth the bold.  

Praeparatio, ●nummie reo●ntis.  Rec. The newest and best Mummia and cut it small, then put it into a glass with a long neck, pouring thereon the menstrua of Olives, and close it with Hermes seal, then putrefy it a month that there may be a solution, then open the vessel and put it into a cucurbite of glass and set in Balneo, the vessel being open that the Mercury may fly away, which it will do with an incredible stink, and there let it remain tell there come forth no stink, and that all the Mummia be dissolved, that which is dissolved, put into another vessel and digest it in Balneo again until it come to a thick oil and fatty like syrup of a duskish colour. That being done circulate all with the spirit of wine in Balneo, 20. days then separate the spirit and in the bottom will remain a red and sweet oil having the virtue of all natural balms: which doth greatly help all venomous and pestilent diseases.  
Take of the Mummia so prepared 2. ounces of the best Alcoole vini, 2. pound circulate them a month, then distill 
Tinctura mummiae.  away the menstrua, per alimbicum, then again let it digest in a vessel closed with hermes seal, and reiterate it 3. times as is above said, until the matter abovesaid, do altogether lose the nature of his body, and become a tincture, which truly doth excel with such a quickening power, that there is no part whereunto it doth not pierce. No ulcer or any corruption which it doth not cure, if ye give every day twice for a certain time four or five grains of it with a convenient decoction.   

Of the essence of man's skull. Chap. 2.  

De cran●● human.  MAny learned men have written that the skull of a man not buried is by a certain property profitable against the falling sickness: for which cause I thought it not amiss to set forth the true preparation of it, for I do not think that there is any of the learned that doubteth, but this medicine rightly prepared, and brought into a thin essence will be a great deal more effectual and profitable to cure those diseases, chief if you do diligently consider the essence of the sickness, his causes, and the remedy thereof: therefore I will entreat of the preparation, of which 1. scruple will profit more than a whole skull dried and beaten to powder, whose essence is thus drawn out.  

Essentiae cranij humani.  Rec. the skull of a man that hath not been buried, and beat it to powder, and put it into spiritu vini saluiati, so that it may be covered 6. fingers, and set it to digest in Balneo 14. days being close stopped, then distill it in a retort according to the manner of aqua fortis, then power on that liquor upon the feces or caput mort●●m again, but first grind the feces, then putrefy it 8. days, & distill it as at the first, and that do 3 times, than circulat all together certain days, that being done, then separate the menstrua, and in the bottom thou shalt find the essence of the skull coagulated, of which ye shall give half a scruple with the water of the flowers of lintre in the fit and before the fit. Or prepare it thus: seethe the scrapings of a skull that hath not been buried with the spirit of Mellissa, or Betony boiled, power that decoction by itself, and again power on more fresh till there remain no more force in the skull, than vapour away all that water in Balneo, and it will remain in the bottom coagulated, the which it shall resolve again, and vapour and coagulat so long till the matter remaining in the bottom may be sublimed with a most easy fire. This sublimat doth help much them that have the falling sickness, and looseth the belly abundantly without any travel or molestation.   

Of Viperis. Chap. 3.  

Galen lib. de theriaca. ad pisonem Aegi. li. 7.  GAlen and other great physicians have taught us many things out of Andromacus touching the preparation of vipers and their virtue for the cure of the leprosy which they had proved, chief that it purgeth the whole body by the skin, out of whose flesh (the head and tail being first cut of, which are the most venomous parts, and have little flesh in them) being boiled in a pot with fair water, dill & salt, and putting thereto stolen wheaten bread, they made pastillos, the which is also put into theriakle. Out of vipers also you shall make a most notable medicine against the leprosy, plague and all venomous wounds in this manner. In the month of june take 4 or 6. vipers, of the which ye shall cast away the tail and the head, and pull away the skin and the entrails, but cut the flesh in small pieces, and put it in acucurbit of glass 3. or 4. days in the vapour of Balneo or of moist dung to drive forth the sweat. But take heed ye receive not the air of that fume which is corrupted & venomous through the vapours of the vipers, which being done power upon it the spirit of wine Alcolisati & terebinthinati solutivi ana. that it might be covered 8. fingers high, digest them in a vessel closed with Hermes seal in Balneo, or moist dung twelve days, until all the flesh of the vipers be dissolved in the aforesaid menstrua: then power of the said menstrua from his feeces, and vapour it away in Balneo, and it will be coagulated like a jelly, upon the which power again spiritum vini cariophillatum & circulat them in a pelican 10. days: then separate the menstrua, and the flesh of the vipers will remain excellently prepared & essentificated, with the which mingle upon a gentle fire oleum anethi & cinamomi ana. 1 scrup. & a half, essentia croci & margaritarum ana. 1. scrup. then with the muslege of gum tragagant make it in pills, or if ye will make pastillos after the old manner with dry wheaten bread, 1. scrup. of this medicine is given against the leprosy, the plague and all other venomous diseases.  
Of the skin of vipers, and of other serpents being dried and prepared according to art is made a powder that helpeth very much against the wounds made by beasts or serpents, if it be laid thereon, also to cure all cankers & malign ulcers.   

Of the preparing of horns, and cordial bones musk, civet, and castoreum. Chap. 4.  

De cornibus. Moscho zibetta & castoreo.  BOnes are either burnt or sodden with their convenient liquor, that out of them with the spirit of wine may be gotten the pure essence, the which will be done in the same order, as we have written of before in the preparing of a man's skull, therefore thus shalt thou draw out the essence of the bone of the Hearts heart, which by a certain likeliehod of substance doth strengthen man's heart, and is chiefly profitable against the pains of man's heart, & fincope: his preparation differeth from the aforesaid, because it is to be drawn with the spirit of Celandine alcolisated with his proper menstrua. The hearts horn is used in stead of that bone for the said diseases, whose essence is drawn forth with Hipericonis alcoole which is given unto young children that be sick of the worms.  
The horn of the Unicorn (which is the chiefest of all, you shall prepare in the same order: it defendeth the heart and driveth away all poisons: it is good against pestilent difeases, his proper menstrua is Alcoole melissae. Ebur or juerie is also thus prepared, whose virtue is to defend the strength of the heart, and to help conception. Out of Musk is also drawn a certain precious essence cum vini spiritu terebinthinato, as with his proper dissolution, which doth strengthen and confirm the languishing parts, and helpeth the weakened powers: in like sort may you draw forh the essence of zibet.  
In the like manner is the essence of Castoreum drawn forth: of the which one drop is given with great profit in the decoction of the flowers of rosemary, sage, and betony against tremble, convulsions, or cramps, and all diseases of the sinews: it is also applied outwardly in convultions, chiefly if it come of fullness and not of emptiness: and then that which is contained in the sinews contrary to nature must be purged, being drunk with water of penyryall, it provoketh women's terms and casteth forth the after burden, and it doth correct opium which is otherwise deadly.   

The preparation of oils out of fats and greases. Chap. 5.  

De pingusnum & exungiarum praeparattonibus ac oleis.  THe Chimistes do draw oil out of the fat of all living things with a most gentle fire, in the which is found a greater power to extenuate, dissolve and supple, then in the only fat not prepared, because they be made more thinner & subtler: which opinion Galen confirmeth 11. simple. where he entreateth of Castoreum, furthermore (saith he) because it is of the subtle parts: therefore it is more available than the other things which do both heat and dry, as it doth, he addeth that those medicines which consist of more subtle parts are more forcible than they which be of thinner although they have both like faculty, because they penetrate and go deeper into the parts to which they be laid on, chief if the parts be thick, as the sinewy parts be. I think there is no man if he way these words of Galen which will not allow these extractions both of oils and essences which we use, and commend the use of them in physic. In this manner are oils drawn out of the fat of men, of the brock, of bears, of wolves, of hearts, cats eels, capons, geese, ducks, calves, hogs, and of all Marrows, which do all resolve and supple, and are good to cure many diseases.  
Out of Butter is drawn an oil in the same order, the which is Anodinum, for the said uses and to cease all pains.  
Out of wax is made an oil to resolve, & attenuate, and is profitable against all cold griefs of the sinews, and is made thus. Take one pound of yellow wax, and melt it, then power it in sweet wine & wring it out with your hands, then melt it again, & power it into the same wine, and this do 4. or five times, then put it into a retort with an half pound of calcined alum, and a handful of sage, and distill it with a gentle fire, and there will come forth a gross thick oil and white, the which if it be rectified three times, it will be perfect clear, and will congeal no more.  
The virtues of oil of wax experimented by Monsure le count de Shenaus, & his brother Monsure de Argenteaw in the wars in France. This oil is of a temperate nature to be used either into the body or outward, and may be used with out all danger: it taketh away the pains of the gout if ye anoint the parts therewith, it comforteth hard sinews, and joint aches, the sciatica, chops in the lips, breast, hands or feet, and wounds, burnings either with fire or water, if ye anoint therewith and lay thereon a plaster of the same, being put into the ear with black wool, it helpeth deafness, it stayeth hair from falling. It is also good against the wind colic, and provoketh urine, if ye use to drink every morning ʒ. 1. with malmsey: it prevaileth against the stitch in the side, if ye drink thereof and anoint the parts therewith. To be short, it helpeth against all manner of infirmities, as hath been divers times proved.   

Of sundry parts of living things. Chap. 6.  
sundry profitable remedies are taken out of divers parts of sundry beasts, which need very little preparation, notwithstanding are to be reserved in shops for the great virtues they have in healing: for the River Crabbe being calcined to a white ashes is commended against the biting of a mad dog.  
The eyes of Crabs calcined in a reverberatorie are given with good success to them that are troubled with the stone, and expelleth all obstructions of the bowels, of which we have spoken of before against Aubertus.  
The water of earth worms distilled is profitable against the dropsy, and to kill worms in children, and being bound quick upon a panat●tio, they profit much.  
The water of cow dung gathered in May is good against the dropsy, and to cure all cancerd ulcers.  
The powder of the worms called mill pedum is good against affects of the eyes.  
cats piss distilled, against deafness.  
The bones chiefly of a wolf dried and brought to powder, helpeth the disease in the ribs, stitches and prickings.  
Water of swallows, against the falling sickness.  
Water of the spawn of frogs, to repel and stay all fluxes of blood, and redness of the face.  
Coagulu● le poris, drunk with Hidromell against the falling sickness.  
Certain little bones which are found in the sorefeetes of the hare, provoke urine mightily if the powder be given with white wine.  
Orsepiae is with good success given against the said diseases.  
The powder of the liver of frogs dried is very well taken against the coming of the fit of a fever, especially the quartan.  
Neither will I let pass amongst others an especial remedy and experiment often proved against the stone in the rains which is prepared in this order. In March there are found in the Maw of an ox, certain little stones, which if they be taken with white wine, dissolveth the stone. Also in the month of May in the bladder of the gall of a bull is found a certain stone, which if it be put in white wine, it changeth it to a yellow colour like safron, changing the taste but little: if the sick drink every day of this wine, daily pouring on fresh until the stone be consumed: by these means it is manifest by experience that the stone is diminished and at length consumed.  
Many other medicines are prepared of the parts of animals, which are not of themselves to be disallowed of many ignorant, neither their preparations rejected, because they are unknown unto them all, which they may easily attain unto in time, if so be they will not condemn at the first sight that which they know not, and think them so impossible to themselves which are not able to conceive such great things, which yet by searching and diligent labour of hand, not without great marvel and profit to the sick, are proved most true and certain to a true physician.    

The spagyrical preparation of Medicines taken out of Vegetables, and first of wine.  

Chapter 1.  
TAke the purest and strongest wine ye can get, & distill it in a gourd of glass with a narrow mouth, over the which 
De vina.  ye shall passed a paper, the which being dry anoint it with oil of sweet almonds, then set on the head and receiver, and distill it in Balneo, and the spirit will fly through the oily paper, the which ye shall circulat and keep in a cold place, close stopped, whose virtues are infinite for the health of man's body, the spirit being taken away, ye shall boil the feces until it come thick like a sirop, & set it in a moist seller, the which in short time will congeal into hard stones or salt, which is called of some lapilli vini, the which ye shall keep in a dry place to your use, that is, to dissolve gold therewith, the which thou mayst do in this order. First calcine thy gold into an impalpable powder, that it cannot be brought to gold again, them take thereof ℥. ss. lapillorun vini, prepared as afore. ℥. i fs. Alcooli viniq. s. digest them together 14. days, then distill it, & there will come forth a water of a golden colour, than power on more spirit of wine prepared as afore, & digest it again, and distill it as aforesaid, and this ye shall do until the spirit of the gold be drawn forth.  


Vinum alcalisatum.  Vinum alcalisatum.  
TAke those feces that remained after the spirit is taken away, and calcine them white, then with his proper phlegm ye shall draw away his salt, the which is called sal vini, of the which take ℥ si▪ spiritus vini ℥ 2. digest it in Balneo 20. days then distill it until it be dry in the bottom, then put on more spirit, and digest it as afore, and this ye shall do until the salt be distilled over the helm, and then it is prepared.   

The preparation of tartar, and first of spiritus tartari, vel liquor fecularum vini.  

Preparatio tartari.  TAke white tartar lib. 4. & distill it in manner of aquafortis, until all the spirits become forth, the which ye shall separate in Balneo from the oil, then take that oil which remained in the bottom, and rectify it in sand, and thou shalt have a most precious oil or balm: thou shalt note that the first liquor separated in Balneo is called liquor fecularun vini, or spiritus tartari, which would be rectified from the colcothar 3. or 4. times to take away his stinking smell: the oil which ye rectified is called oleum fecularum vini, sive mumia fecularum vini, the which is most profitable in curing of running and corroding ulcers, and sores which go creeping upon the flesh, and especially those that come ex lue venerea, being drunk in wine, it breaketh the gravel in the rains & bladder and expelleth it by urine: certain drops being drunk with the decoction of frogs is convenient for the pthisick: It preventeth the infection of the plague if ye anoint the nostrils therewith: It drieth and consumeth ficus in ano in short time without any pain. Furthermore ʒ. 1. of the spirit of tartar being drunk with the water of fumetory, or hirundinaria, or such like, is convenient for pustulas gallicas, exanthemata, erisipelas, the dropsy, water between the skin, and the flesh, menstrual flux, and all obstructions of those parts, as the iaunders. It taketh away the leprosy in the beginning: ye shall note that ye may augment his force marvelously in this order.  
Ye shall mix it with Aqua theriacalis, which is made thus. Take perfect good theriakle ℥. 5. red mirra ℥. 2. Safrone ℥. ss. the spirit of wine ℥. 10. mix them in a glass and set it to digest 6▪ or 7. days, then distill it in Balneo: Sometimes they put into this water ʒ. 2. of Camphor, especially when it is used in hot burning agewes, and inflammations and then it is called Aquae theriacalis camphorata. As for example: Take Spiritus vitriolli 1. ounce, Liquoris fecularum vini correcti 3. ounces, Aquae theriacalis 5. ounces: mix them and digest them in Balneo. 40. days, then give thereof 1. dram with good strong wine, or other convenient liquor, both for the aforesaid effects, and also to cure and prevent infinite other diseases, for this composition hath a singular piercing quality above many others: ye shall note that the liquor of Lignum vite may be used in the same order, and so it will work his effect with more speed.   

Sal tartari.  

Sal tartari  TAke those feces that remained of the Tartar at the first distillation, and calcine them until they be white, then dissolve it in fair water distilled being warm, filter and congeal it and in the bottom ye shall find a white salt, which laid in a moist place will turn into oil, the which taketh away spots in the face or any other parts: also it cleanseth ulcers if ye mix 1. dram, with 1. ounce of the spirit of wine, this oil maketh the hair fair and yellow: ye shall note that if this salt be often calcined and congealed, it will become Crystalline, and is of great force against divers infirmities, as hereafter God willing shall be taught.    

The liquor of Honey. Cap. 2.  

Oleum mellu.  THat which divers men call the oil of H onie, is not a unctuous oil like unto other oils, but rather a certain element the which is neither oil nor water, although it be clear: & this is not much used in chirurgery by cause it is not convenient in sores, but rather a thing appertaining to physic, because it comforteth the stomach, strengtheneth the spirits, and extinguisheth all fevers, it helpeth the colic. It dissolveth the stone in the rains and provoketh urine. The last liquor that is red maketh the hear yellow as gold, if ye wash it there with divers times. It taketh away spots in the eyes, and is thus made. Take pure honey 2. pound and distill it in a glass that containeth 2. gallons, with a gentle fire in sand till it changeth colour, then change the receiver & increase the fire a little, until all the fumes be come forth, the which will afterward turn into a red liquor which some call the oil, ex leonardo Phioravanti.  
There is also a quintaessence or burning spirit made out of honey, the which hath the virtues and quailities that the spirit of wine hath in all points and may be used in steed thereof, some affirm that this quintaessence or spirit of honey will dissoule gold, being first calcined and circulated therewith certain days: It dissolveth like wise any kind of jewel that is put therein. It healeth wounds with great speed, if ye wash them therewith: It helpeth against the cough, catarrh and pains of the milt, it cureth spots in the eyes and preserveth the sight. It is affirmed that one using this essence 40▪ days, was cured of the Palsy and fallingesicknesse, also this quintaessence being distilled 20. times with perfect pure silver calcined, it will restore the sight unto those that are in manner blind.   

The extra●ction of liquors out of plants, flowers, seeds and roots. Cap. 3.  
Put Celandine bruised into a glass cucurbit well stopped, 
Herbarum esseutiae.  set itto digest 15. days in warm dung, then distill it with a gentle fire until the feces remain dry, the which ye shall stamp, powdering there on the element of water before distilled, that i●t may be covered 4▪ fingers, them stop the glass & putrefy it 8. days in Balneo, after distill it again giving fire by degrees till there come forth no more spirits, & in this 2. distillation thou shalt have the water & air, the phlegm if ye will ye may separate by Balneo which reserve: then calcine the feces that remain, which imbibe with the phlegm reserved, puttifie it in Balneo, and distill it per alembicum, until the matter appear in white stones, the which by often solutions and coagulations with his proper water become cristaline, and so the earth shall remain well purified, which although it be white notwithstanding containeth his fire and inward tincture: upon this put on your 2. first elements before reserved, and circulate all together in Balneo till the oil appear and swim upon, which is called the true essence endued with infinite qualities.  
In like manner ye may attain the true preparations of Melissa, sage, and Valerian and all other herbs.  

Olea floril.  In that manner ye may prepare the oils of flowers, but the herbs and flowers which yield small quantity of oil must be cut, or stamped small, and then put it into a glass mixing with them if they be dry fair water distilled. But if they be moist or waterish ye shall put them in a glass, alone close stopped, and set them in the sun or some warm place to macerate, until ye see the oil swim upon the top, the which ye shall power forth, and making it warm ye may separate it by a funnel or convenient instrument. Some use to take those herbs and flowers thus, macerated and distill them in a vessel of copper with a refrigeratory and after separate the oil, ye shall note that what virtue the herb is of, the oil is of the same, but much more forcible & subtle.  

Oil of Time his virtues. 
Oleum thymi.   
THree or 4. drops being drunk with aqua mulsa, helpeth the painful cough, shortness of breath, cleanseth the breast and ripeneth the phlegm, it provoketh urine, expelleth the secundine and dead fruit from the ma●rix▪ in dissolveth clotted and congealed blood within the body, being used with Oximell and a little salt, it purgeth tough and clammy phlegm, and sharp choleric humours, and corruption of the blood. It prevaileth against blast and wind in the belly and stones, being often used it prevaileth against melancholy diseases, and the gout: the smell of this oil is profitable for those that are toubled with the falling sickness: Being put in to a hollow tooth it taketh away the pains presently.   

Oil of sweet Margerom.  

Ol. Ma●oranae.  THis oil being often used with other convenient medicines, is most profitable for those that are fallen into a dropsy, and cannot make water but with great difficulty. It prevaileth against wind and gripings in the belly, and provoketh sneezing, it is comfortable against all pains of the head, and restoreth smelling being lost if it be put into the ear & nostrils: it is good against poison and the stinging of Scorpiones.   

Oil of Sage.  
THis oil dissolveth congealed blood within the body, cureth inward wounds and bruises coming either of a stripe or fall: It provoketh urine and expelleth gravel, 
Ole. Saluia.  comforteth the heart and head that is grieved with cold humours, it is profitable for women with child because it closeth the matrix, and comforteth the child, it is profitable for those that are troubled with the gout, palsy or weakness of the sinews, if ye mix it with oil of wax & anoint the parts therewith, it helpeth the cough and openeth obstructions of the liver and suageth pains in the side, being drunk with wormwood wine, it is profitable against the bitings of venomous beasts, for it cleanseth the sores and healeth them if it be put into unguentes fit for that purpose.   

Oil of Peniriall.  
THis oil being drunk with convenient liquors proveketh Menstrua, and bringeth forth the after burden, the dead fruit and unnatural birth: It provoketh urine, and breaketh the stone especially in the kidneys, being taken with convenient siropes it cleanseth the lungs and breast from all gross and thick humours, being taken with aloes and honey it prevaileth against cramps and contractions of the sinews, being drunk with water and vinegar it stayeth the inordinate desire to vomit & gnawing pains of the stomach, and is profitable against the biting of venomous beasts: the anointing of the temples and nostrils with this oil is profitable against the falling sickness, and taketh away the swimming pains thereof, and is most profitable for those that have a cold and moist brain, it slaketh the pains of the gout: the fume of this oil being received at the lower parts with a funnel is profitable against windines and blastings, and also against hardness & stops of the matrix.   

Oil of Mints.  

Ole. menth●.  THis warmeth and strengtheneth the stomach, and drieth up moist and superfluous humours gathered in the same, and causeth good digestion, it stayeth vomiting, being drunk and anointing the stomach therewith, and killeth round worms being often used: it helpeth the griping pains of the colic, and stayeth the menstrual flux, being either eaten or drunk with some convenient medicine: it easeth women which are much troubled with hard and perilous travel in child birth: It helpeth deafness if it be dropped into the ears, the only smell of this oil maketh the heart merry.   

Oil of Hisope.  

Ole. Hisopi.  BEing drunk with some convenient liquor it openeth all obstructions of the breast, it helpeth the shortness of breath and cough, being drunk with the syrup of vinegar it expelleth tough and clammy phlegm, it killeth & driveth forth worms, it hath the like operation if it be eaten with figs.   

Oil of wormwood.  

ole. a●sinthi.  THIS oil is a profitable medicine against all pains of the stomach that is oppressed with hot choleric humours, for it expelleth them partly by the stool, and partly by urine, and comforteth the stomach: likewise it purgeth all choleric humours gathered together in the veins and liver. The use thereof helpeth the yellow iaunders, and all obstructions of those parts. It is profitable against windines and blastings of the belly, against pains and appetite to vomit, and the wamblinge of the stomach, if it be mixed with oil of aniseed and eaten in lozenges or drink, it resisteth venom, and killeth worms being drunk, and the belly anointed therewith, it helpeth digestion, purifieth the blood, provoketh sleep, and preserveth them in good temperature that use it, either with wine or some other convenient thing, it is profitable against the dropsy, comforteth the liver and heart, and resolveth the milt, if ye mix with it 2. or 3. drops of oil of vitriol, it helpeth long sicknesses, being often used in the morning with convenient liquors, it is very profitable for those that are waxed lean and are evil coloured in the face and body: wormwood wine: is very fit to drink it withal.   

Oil of Rosemary flowers.  

Ole. Anthos  THis oil is most commodious against all pains of the head proceeding of cold, although it have continued along time, it comforteth the memory, and preserveth the sight, it helpeth deafness if it be dropped into the ears, it openeth all obstructions of the liver and milt, and is profitable against the dropsy and yellow iaunders, it breaketh wind, and is profitable against the colic, and rising of the mother, it is also good for those that have drunk poison, or that are infected with the pestilence if it be drunk with some convenient liquor and sweat thereon: It comforteth the heart and cleanseth the blood and maketh a man merie●: to conclude, it comforteth against all diseases of the body coming of cold and moist humours, it helpeth the canker and fistula.   

Oils of seeds must thus be prepared.  

ole. seminum  TAke your seeds and beat or bruise them, and lay them to steep 2. or 3. days in distilled water or wine, then distill them with a refrigeratory, with a gentle fire until all the oil be come forth, the which ye shall separate by a funnel.   

Oil of Aniscede. 
oleum Anisi.   
BEing drunk or eaten fasting in lozenges in the morning, it causeth a sweet breath, & is profitable for those that are short wound and cannot fetch their breath, but with great pain: it breaketh wind in the stomach, belly, and guts, it breaketh phlegm, and causeth it to be spit forth, it increaseth nature, it driveth forth poison by sweat, it comforteth the breast and lungs, it provoketh urine, and breaketh the stone in the rains & bladder, it is good against the bloody flux and piles. The nostrils being anointed therewith at night when ye go to bed provoketh sleep, and wood being anointed therewith will not suffer moths to breed there.   

Oil of Fenell seed.  

ole. feniculi.  IT comforteth the affects of the head. It sharpeneth the sight, it helpeth the straightness of the breast, and horsnes of the voice, it helpeth concoction & dissolveth wind, It breaketh the gravel and provoketh urine and the menstrual flux: it openeth the obstructions of the liver and milt, and profiteth greatly against the dropsy and yellow ●anders being used with convenient liquors or medicines.   

Oil of cumin seed.  

oleum cimini.  IT is good against wounds in the spleen, and disperseth wind in the stomach, belly, bowels, and matrix: It helpeth the cough and shortness of wind, it is good against the fretting of the belly, either taken by potion or glister. It is profitable for those that have the burning of urine and cannot hold their water, being drunk with water of fern: it helpeth digestion of gross humours in the stomach.   

Oil of caraway seed.  

oleum carvi.  THe use of this oil is most convenient against windines in the stomach, and helpeth digestion, it provoketh urine and hath in manner all the virtues that are ascribed unto aniseed.   

Oil of Dill seed.  

Oleum Aneti.  THe use of this oil driveth away ventosity or windines, assuageth blastings and griping torments in the belly: It stayeth vomiting and the flux, it provoketh urine, it is available against the suffocation and strangling of the matrix, if the fume thereof be received with a funnel at the lower parts, it stayeth the yex or hicocke, it healeth hollow and moist ulcers in the share or privy parts, it digesteth, resolveth and suageth pains, and ripeneth all raw humours, this oil may not be used too much inwardly, for it diminisheth the sight and seed of generation.   

Oil of Percelie seed.  

oleum Pe●roselini.  THis oil openeth all obstructions of the liver & kidneys, and provoketh the menstrual flux if it be drunk with convenient liquors, it causeth appetite, helpeth digestion, and comforteth the stomach. It expelleth the stone and gravel in the mines and provoketh urine: it is a good remedy against poisons, it expelleth all blast, and windines, it is good against the cough, being taken with convenient liquor.   

Oil of the seed of Rue or herb grace.  

oleum rutae.  CARDANUS writeth, that this oil being drunk with wine it is of great virtue against poison, for it causeth the patiented to cast it forth by vomit at the first time that it is taken. And at the second it expelleth the other evil humours, that are infected therewith. And at the third time it cureth the patiented and maketh him whole: It helpeth all diseases of the eyes so that the apple of the eye be not perished, if ye wash them with the water and drop one drop of the oil into the eye: being drunk it suffereth no poison to remain in a man that day, also being drunk it mitigateth the gout and dropsy, coming of cold humours: It restoreth all benumbed members taken with the palsy if ye anoint them therewith: Cardanus also affirmeth in his second book De Subtilitate that there are certain poisons the which do slay only with their touching, against which poisons (saith he) the best remedy is not to stay in any place, until the hand wax hot, and often bathe the parts with warm water, and anoint them with oil of rue.  

ole. fructuum, & radicum.  YOur fruits and roots must first be beaten, & put them into a distilling vessel with as many gallons of distilled water as there are pounds of stuff, and so let them macerate 3. or 4. days, them distill them with a refrigeratory, as it is said afore.   

Oil of juniper berries.  

Oleum juniperi.  THis oil is profitable against griping pains or wind in the guts, and may be compared to balm: 4 or 5. drops being drunk preventeth the resolution of the Sinews, the falling sickness and other diseases of the brain, it preserveth the body from poison and pestilent airs, it com●orteth a weak & cold stomach & stayeth vomiting, it purgeth the rains, breaketh gravel and provoketh urine, and is profitable against the dropsy, and water between the skin and the flesh, it killeth worms, to conclude it comforteth all weak members by his piercing virtue, it helpeth convulsiones and shake and pains in the neck coming of a Catar if ye anoint the parts therewith, it easeth the pains of the sciatica in the hips, the gout and the colic and all malign ulcers being anointed therewith.   

Oil of bay berries.  

oleum è baccis lauri.  Out of lb. 1. of bay there is not drawn above ℈. 2. of oil by distillation, the which is most profitable against Collicum iliacum & sciaticam passionem.   

Oil of ivy berries.  

oleum è baccis hederae.  THis oil is distilled as the oil of juniper berries, but some do take the berries, wood, gum and all together and distill it by descension, out of the which there will come forth a thick black oil that is profitable against cold diseases of the joints, it provoketh the Flux Menstrual, expelleth the stone, and purgeth ulcers.   

Oils of sweet smelling things are thus prepared.  

ole. Aromatum.  Beat them grossly, then infuse them in fair distilled water as afore is said, and distill them with a refrigeratorie.   

Oil of cinnamon.  

oleum cinamomi.  THis reviveth the natural spirits marvelously, it disperseth the evil humours in the stomach, it openeth obstructions and is profitable against all cold diseases, it preserveth from putrefaction, it cureth wounds and ulcers as the natural balm doth, it causeth fair delivery of child birth, it is a most precious remedy for those that lie speechless if ye put 3. or 4. drops into their mouth either by itself or mingled with cinnamon water, it helpeth concoction, the like virtue the water hath but it must be used in greater quantity. This oil is of such a piercing nature that it pierceth through the whole body, and finally it is a present remedy for a woman that soundeth in her travail if she drink 3. or 4. drops.   

The Oil or essence of Safrone.  

Essentia croci.  TAke dry Safron and draw away his tincture with the spirit of wine, until the feces remain white, the which ye shall calcine according to art and circulate them in Balneo with the said menstrua, afterward let it settle & vapour away the said Menstrua in Balneo, and the essence of Safron will remain in the bottom, the which is excellent to comfort the spirits, for if ye mix a drop or two with broth or some convenient liquor, it restoreth and strengtheneth the weak spirits marvelously, but especially the heart with infinite other virtues which we omit till another time.   

Oil of Mace. 
oleum Macis.   
THis oil is of a hot faculty, and therefore it is commodiously used in the Colic, coming of a cold cause, or of a Catar descending from the head, it comforteth the heart, belly and Matrix: It is also good against trembling of the heart, the obstructions of the bladder and Matrix, it helpeth the strangury and all diseases having their original of cold. It strengtheneth the stomach and womb being used in wine, or broth, or made in lozenges.   

Oil of Cloves.  

oleum cariophilorum.  THis oil is very profitable for the belly, heart and liver, and hath all the qualities of natural balm, it healeth all fresh wounds and punctures, it strengtheneth the heart and head and helpeth the megrim, it purgeth melancholy blood, it sharpeneth the sight, comforteth the stomach, causeth digestion, and maketh a sweet breath: it helpeth the colic and all the pains in the belly coming of cold, if ye drink two or three drops in wine or eat lozenges made with the same oil.   

Oil of Pepper.  

oleum piperis.  THis oil hath much more virtue than the Pepper itself in piercing, and specially in the windy colic, & other weak parts filled with phlegm, it stayeth the shaking of the fever tertain, if ye take three or four drops with syrup of quinces two hours afore the fit, provided that the body be first well purged and let blood as occasion shall serve, ye shall note this oil is only the airy part separated from the other elements.   

Oil of Nutmegs.  
THis oil being drunk with convenient liquors bringeth down the menstrual flux, and also the quick and 
oleum nucis muschatae.  dead fruit, and therefore women with child shall not use this oil until such time as they be in travel, and then it causeth fair delivery without any danger: it is profitable against all pains of the head coming of cold, it causeth a sweet breath and warmeth and strengtheneth a cold stomach and consumeth superfluous humours of the same, it disperseth wind and appeaseth the colic, & is profitable for the affects of the bladder: it helpeth inward wounds being drunk with some convenient wound drink, it helpeth cold diseases of the sinews and swelling of the Spleen two or three drops being taken in broth.   

Oils of Woods are thus prepared.  
TAke Lignum vite rasped in powder, and put it into a glass or stone pot close stopped, and set it in Balneo or warm dung certain days to digest: then distill it with 
oleum guaics.  a gentle fire Per descensum, and there will come forth a liquor called of the chimistes, Mercury: then increase the fire and there will come forth an oil which is called the sulfur, the which must be purged by art from his stinking smell, then take the ashes of the wood and draw forth his salt with fumetory water, the which ye shall calcine, dissolve and congeal divers times, until it be as white as snow, the which salt by a workman may be brought Crystalline: Of the Mercury or first liquor is given one spoonful or more with 2. ounces of fumetory water against all vicious humours in the body, and driveth them out by sweat: with the oil or sulfur ye shall cure the ulcers or other griefs after the body is well purged with the salt, the which is done in this order. Take of the salt ʒ i. good theriakle ℥ ss. mix them and give thereof ʒ. ss, more or less according to the discretion of the physician, and the strength of the party: in this order must thou draw forth the Mercury, sulphur, & salt, of all manner of woods: there are divers other orders to give this Mercury or liquor, whereof some are written in the chapter, where we entreat of spiritus tartars.   

Oil of juniper wood.  

Oleum ex lignis iuniperis.  THis oil is profitable for members that are weakened through cold, it strengtheneth the rains and matrix, and helpeth conception, it cureth malign ulcers & wounds, and suageth pain, it taketh away the fit of a quartan fever, especially being anointed from the navel downward.   

Oil of the wood of ash.  

Oleum e lignis fraxini.  THis oil doth cure the cold gout, and cicatriceth raw places, it dissolveth the white morphew, and maketh it black, it cureth those that have the palsy, and is profitable for those that are vexed with the spleen, not only drunk, but also anointed therewith.    

The true order to prepare and make oils out of Rosens' concreat liquors and gums. Chap. 4.  

Oleum terebinthinae.  THis oil is distilled with a gentle fire in Balneo, and is most pure & clear: some distill it in found or ashes, putting thereto a handful of salt & a little aqua vitae: some put to it for every lb. of turpentine ℥ iij. of sifted ashes, to keep the matter from running over. This oil is most profitable against cold diseases of the sinews, & against asthma, & difficulty of breathing, if ye drink thereof ʒ ij. every morning, it prevaileth against gross humours gathered together in the breast, it ceaseth the pains of the colic, it helpeth chaps in women's breasts, and wounds, it taketh away the cramp, it helpeth deafness and provoketh urine.  

Oil of Frankincense.  
THis oil is distilled as afore is said in sand with a gentle 
Oleum resine pine.  fire according to art, until all the substance be come forth, the which will be both oil and water, the which ye must separate by a funnel, the water is good against wind in the stomach if it be drunk, it helpeth all chaps and chilblains, and such like either in the hands or feet, if ye wash them therewith and anoint them with the oil against the fire, and strait ways put on a pair of gloves: it helpeth the white scall if ye wash it therewith, & also all manner of scabs, laying thereon morning and evening a cloth wet in the same: it drieth up ulcers & sores: the oil is most precious against wounds in all parts of the body, because it preserveth from putrefaction and alteration, and taketh away pains, if ye join the wound close together and lay this oil warm heron. The first oil that cometh forth is clear and preserveth the hands and face being anointed therewith: it is also most profitable against all cold diseases inwardly, if ye give thereof ʒ. i. with convenient liquors, it dissolveth all tumours and aches coming of cold, it taketh away the blackness of any bruise being new done in two or three hours by continual anointing the place so fast as it drieth in.   

Oil of Succinum or Amber.  

Oleum succini.  STamp your amber small & distill it in a retort with the powder of flint stones, giving it fire according to art until all the substance be come forth, the which will be both water and oil, and a shall armoniac, the which will hang about the Receiver, the which keep as a precious jewel, then separate one from another: the oil is good against all affects of the head, coming of cold & moist humours, it helpeth the resolution of the sinews, the Apoplexia, the falling sickness, and being put into the nostrils when they fall, it will recover them presently, it preserveth a man from poison, and pestilent airs if ye anoint the nostrils therewith, it is good against diseases of the rains and bladder, it driveth forth gravel and provoketh urine if it be drunk with convenient liquors: it helpeth the colic & choking of the matrix being anointed therewith, it bringeth forth the fruit, and causeth fair deliverance if it be drunk with convenient liquors, it strengtheneth and comforteth all the powers of the body, it consumeth superfluous humours.   

Oil of Mastic.  

Oleum ●●sticis.  THe Apothecaries of ℥. 4. of mastic & lb. i. of the oil of unripe Olives, with ℥ 4. of rose-water do make an oil, which the physicians prescribe to cure the lienterie, and vomiting, and to strengthen the stomach and liver: which preparation is accounted ridiculous unto those which out of lb. i. of mastic by their art draw ℥. 10. of most pure oil, whereof two drops taken either with wine or broth, or applied to the grieved place, will profit more to cure the aforesaid diseases, than lb. i. not of mastic, but olives rather which our Physicians (I know not by what reason) do use now adays: wherefore ye shall prepare your oil in this manner.  
Take of pure mastic lb. i. put it in a glass with distilled water, and aqua vitae of each alike, so that it may be covered 4. fingers high, than lute it close and set it in warm dung to putrefy certain days, afterward distill it in sand, giving fire by degrees, and first there will come forth with the menstru●, a yellow oil, the which keep by itself, then augment the fire, and there will come forth a red oil, then at the last there will come forth a thick black oil smelling of the fire, the which ye shall circulate with the spirit of wine separated from the first, and then distill it again, and thou shalt have a perfect oil profitable for outward griefs, especially for his piercing force, whereby it doth refresh all the members, it strengtheneth the stomach, it helpeth concoction and inflations of the bowels, it mollifyeth and assuageth their soreness. It comforteth and strengtheneth all the sinews, also the first yellow oil is given with wine or his proper decoction for the same diseases, and to stop rheums: if ye fear his fiery heat after the aqua vite is separated, ye may wash it with rose water or fair water distilled: and so ye shall make an excellent medicine against divers infirmities. Philippus Hermanus writeth, that this oil is of a most subtle nature, and stoppeth the menstrual flox, and all other flixes being used with convenient medicines, either inward or outward, it is good against falling down of the fundament, if ye anoint the parts therewith, and put them into their natural place, it is also profitable against the rapture in young children, it healeth wounds, it fasteneth the teeth if ye anoint the gums therewith.   

Oil of Myrrha.  

Oleum ex Myrrha.  TAke pure myrrha ℥ vj. and put thereto ℥ xii. of the spirit of wine, & set it in warm dung 6 days, then separate the menstrua, and the tincture or oil will remain in the bottom. This oil hath the virtues of natural balm, and preserveth all things from putrefaction that is anointed therewith. Also the face being anointed therewith in a bath or stove, is preserved in youthful state a long time, it healeth wounds quickly, it helpeth foul & stinking ulcers, it helpeth those that are deaf, it helpeth the pains of the mother if it be anointed therewith: This oil drieth and consumeth all accidents after child birth, being drunk it maketh a sweet breath, and helpeth the cough and shortness of wind, it helpeth the stitch in the side, and all other inward diseases if ye drink ʒ ij. thereof: it stayeth hair from falling. If any be troubled with a fever, let them anoint all their body therewith, and lay them down to sweat, and they shall be cured: it taketh away the stinch of the armepittes if ye anoint the parts therewith in a bath or stove, being mixed with wine, and the mouth washed therewith, it fasteneth the teeth and gums: when ye will use this oil to preserve any part, ye must first hold it over the ●ume of nettles boiled in fair water until the pores be open, then dry it well, and anoint it with this oil, and it will preserve it long time in youthful state.   

Oil of Galbanum.  

Oleum ex Galbano.  THis gum must first be dissolved in distilled vinegar, and then distilled in a retort with a gentle fire: this oil is most profitable against inward bruises, and cramps, and shtinking of sinews: being drunk with oil of myrrha, it is good against venom being either drunk or shot into the body with venomous arrows: also drunk in the same order it provoketh women's terms, and delivereth the dead fruit, the fume of this oil being received at the lower parts, worketh the same effect. Also the fume of this oil being taken at the mouth, helpeth the rising of the mother, being laid to the navel it causeth the matrix to stay in his natural place: the fume of this oil is profitable against the falling sickness if ye anoint the nostrils therewith. In this manner ye may make oil of labdanun, opoponax, sagapenum, Amoniacum, and such like, which do soften the knots of the gout, and doth mightily dissolve the hardness of the liver, spleen and other members if they be distilled all together, or taken every one by himself, according to the method prescribed.   

Oil of Eggs.  

Oleum ovorum.  SOme make this oil by distillation of the yolks of eggs, & some by stirring them in a pan over the fire after they be sodden hard. The water of eggs being distilled taketh away scars and spots in the face or other places. The oil comforteth against all pains, it helpeth wounds by gun-shot, it prevaileth much against burnings and scaldings, either with fire, or water, or powder: it maketh hair black, if ye anoint it therewith, it slaketh the pains of the hemeroides if ye anoint them therewith often times. The yolks of eggs being distilled with as much white wax, is most precious to heal wounds and bruises, for it resolveth them with great speed, the stomach being anointed therewith causeth good digestion, and comforteth it meruellouslie.   

The true preparation of certain oils which are commonly used in Apothecaries shops, to be applied outwardly.  

Oleorum officinariorum vera pr●parandi methodus pro topicis.  FOr outward medicines you shall best draw forth the hole strength of roses, violets, nymphaea, white popie, henbane and Mandrake with oil olive, which are commonly used in shops, all which do quench inflammations and great heats, assuage hot swellings, strengthen and thicken the member, stop fluxes, help madness, and provoke sleep, if you use this method following.   

Oil of Roses.  

Oleum ros●rum.  TAke oleum omphacinum, and wash it with common water distilled divers times, then purify it in Balneo, until it leave no more feces, then take lb. j of this oil so prepared, of red roses the whites being cut off and bruised in a stone mortar lb. j ss. put them into a glass, and set it to putrefy in warm dung twelve days being close luted, them press forth the oil, and put in fresh leaves, as afore is said, and putrefy it again: and this ye shall do three or four times, and so shall ye have a perfect good oil: in like sort shall you make all other cooling oils for topical medicines very well. So is oil of Quinces, and myrtilles made, which refrigerat and astringe, and are applied to the stomach, liver, brain and weak bowels, and also to the fundament. In like manner are oils made of Camomile and Lilies which doth strengthen the sinews, moderate, resolve, and suage aches: but these are made with ripe sweet oil prepared as afore.  
Of mints, wormwood, lentiscus, and others after the same order, are oils made with oleum omphacinum, which being anointed doth moderately warm the stomach, and strengthen the other parts, and help concoction, but first they are prepared with their proper water, and astringent wine, and must be cleansed from all feces in Balneo certain days as is afore said: But if any man will warm, attenuat, and digest the more strongly by these oils, let him take like portions of oil purified in Balneo and the spirit of wine.  
Out of bay and such like berries ye may make oil, if ye digest them the space of a month in warm dung, and then press them forth & serva. They are good for all cold griefs of the brain or sinews, and disperse wind: But all these oils of hot qualities will be much better if they be drawn only with the spirit of wine in Balneo, without any addition of other oil, as Galen 1. simp. cap. 15. Although it doth easily inflame, yet it doth not so quickly heat us: for through his gross and slimy substance sticking fast to that it first toucheth, and therefore endureth long upon all things wherewith it is anointed: neither is it extenuated or digested of the air about it, or easily made to pass into the body.    

Of artificial salts, and their properties. Chap. 1.  

Of artificial salts.  THe use and profit of salts that are drawn out of simples by calcination are in manner as great in physic as the rock or common salt is, which daily and in general serveth to man's relief: for when from simples a gross phlegm is taken away, which in troth hindereth their operation, how much more would they perform their operation if they were converted into a spiritual matter, which by long distillations and filtrings is caused that they may change by a certain manner into a fiery matter: therefore it is not to be doubted that when the simples be converted into a salt, and the element of fire hath in no such wise dominion in them, but that they pierce sooner, and may perform their proper action: that such a heap or company of divers simples, shall not need beside in the composition of remedies: for such salts have certain properties the which other purgers being distilled want: for every salt saith Theophrastus Paracelsus purgeth, but the distilled waters of the purgers lack or have not the same property, because his salt is not joined in the same, so that I suppose a great tartness or sharpness consifteth in them all.  
The manner and fashion to prepare these salts are divers according to the opinion of the Authors. Some will the herbs to be gathered in their due time, and distill away the water in Balneo, then calcine the feces, and with their proper water draw forth the salt, the which ye shall calcine in a furnace of calcination, and dissolve it again and congeal it: and this ye shall do until it be white as snow: the which afterward by a workman may be brought crystalline. These salts called alkalye, must be kept in a glass close stopped, because the air will soon resolve them, which happeneth (especially to those that are made of herbs, & those substances) which possess and have more quantity of eile, and the subtler.  

Observations.  Some calcine them slightly, some more, some less, some make their salt with their own water distilled from the herbs: some with rain water distilled from those kind of herbs being dry or green, some put on the water cold, some hot, and so let it stand certain days stirring it often, the which is not amiss, then distill it by a filter until it be clear, and vapour it away in Balneo, until it be dry, then calcine it again, and dissolve it in some convenient liquor, and then congeal it again, and this ye shall do until it be white as snow, the which by often calcining and dissolving may be brought crystalline, whereof one grain is of more force then fix of the first.  

De salibus purgantibus per tussim.  

Sal Hipericonis.  THe salt of Hipericone or saint john's wort, certain affirm to be highly commended, and approved in the pleurisy, giving the patiented in warm wine so much as will go into half a hazel nutshell. A certain singular physician in the pleurisy gave as much of this salt as he could hold between the end of his fingers in malmsie, and God is the witness that the patiented was cured by it: the like virtue hath the salt of Polipodij. 
shall polipodij    

De salibus purgantibus per urinam.  

shall chamo●hillae.  AS much as a man may hold between the end of his fingers, of this salt was given with warm wine unto one that could not make water, and he was presently delivered, as Leo Suavius writeth.   

Salt of Wormwood.  

shall ab●inihij  THis salt is given in manner in all diseases or sicknesses, with profit: but especially in the pestilence, it is profitable against all obstructions of the ●iuer and kidneys, it provoketh urine, it helpeth the dropsy and water between the skin and the flesh proceeding of a salt choleric humour, and is profitable against the yellow jaundice, it provoketh sweat, it helpeth and driveth forth from the inward parts the pox (Feiguarzen, and such like diseases.) It comforteth the stomach, purgeth waterish blood gathered together in the veins and liver, causeth good digestion, and slaketh the griping pains and blastings in the belly, being used with convenient liquors or medicines, it mundifieth all foul sores, if it be strewed thereon, or mixed with convenient liquors or unguents.   

Sal Gentiane.  

shall gentianes.  This salt is profitable against all fevers, it openeth and purgeth all obstructions of the bowels, it provoketh menstrua and urine being drunk with convenient liquors.   

Sal Gratiolae.  

shall gratiolae  This salt is effectual against the dropsy.   

Sal Anonidis.  

shall anonidi●  This salt diminisheth the stone, and provoketh urine, & is profitable against the strangury.   

Sal Raphani.  

shall raphani  This salt hath the aforesaid virtues.   

Sal Genistae.  

shall geniste.  This salt breaketh the stone and provoketh urine.   

Sal Stipitum Fabarum.  

shall stipitum fabarum.  This salt helpeth the difficulty of urine, and breaketh the stone.   

Sal juniperi.  

shall juniperi  This salt of juniper is of a piercing nature and hath the aforesaid virtues.   

De salibus purgantibus per uterum.  

shall arthemisiae. shall melissae.  THis salt doth provoke women's terms.  
This salt also provoketh menstrua, purgeth the womb and helpeth the suffocation of the matrix.   

Sal Chelidoniae.  

shall chelido●i●.  Take the roots of celandine clean scraped and not washed q. v. stamp them well in a stone mortar, then digest them 24 hours with the spirit of wine in Balneo, them power it out without pressing, and vapour away the said spirit in Balneo, and in the bottom will remain a yellow tincture or powder, the which profiteth much in provoking of women's terms, the dose is about ℈ i. in white wine or other convenient liquor.   

De salibus purgantibus per sudorem.  
THis salt is very profitable against the pox or such like 
shall ligni guaici.  diseases, either to be used inward or outward: it provoketh sweat mightily if it be mixed with diaphoretical medicines.  

shall scabiosae.  The salt of Scabious hath the like virtue in provoking sweat.   

De salibus dolorem sedantibus.  

Olei macrobij, sal eiusdem.  TAke the blood of an old Hart or Stag being yet warm, and distill it in Balneo with a gentle fire until all the phlegm be come away, then change the Receiver, and set thy vessel in sand, and augment the fire, and there will com● forth both oil and salt, the which will hang round about the glass, the which must be mixed with the oil. Ye shall note that the stinking smell of the oilemay be taken away by often washings in warm water afore ye mix it with his salt. This oil suageth all pains of the gout if ye anoint the parts therewith.   

Sal sanguinis humani.  

shall sanguinu human.  THe salt of the blood of a man and a goat is made in the same order, the which have great virtue to help the rains, bladder, and all diseases of the articular parts, as Chiragra, Gonagra, and Podagra.   

A composition of salts that separateth phlegm.  

pulvis ex s●libus.  TAke hisop, penirial, ana. ℥ ss. Origanunʒ ij. fenel seed ℥ ss. Caraway seed ʒ ij. liquorice ℥ i. Salis usti ℥ vj. Salis absinthij ʒ ij. salis jumperi totiden, cinamomi. oum. i. ss. piperis longi ʒ vj. carda momum, granorum paradisi, cariophilorum ana. ℥ ss. Gingiberis ℥. i. misco, fiat pulvis.   

Sal perigrinorum.  

shall peregrinorum.  TAke sails nitri fusi, salis gemmae ana. ℥ i. galangae, macis, cubebarun ana. ℈ i. fiat pulvis. The dose is four or six grains in the morning fasting upon a piece of bread: this comforteth the stomach, maketh good digestion, and preserveth the body from putrefaction: the use of this salt being at the sea will preserve from vomiting.   

An addition to that salt to preserve the bodi● in health.  

Additi●.  TAke of the aforesaid salt so prepared ℥ iij. Alcoolis vini exiccati lb. ss. extrahatur alcali, of the which take ʒ ij. & put thereunto kissed unum liquor is granorum juniperi, mix them, (the dose is 1. or 2. gr.) in wine: ye shall not add any other thing unto this, lest the virtue of the salt be spoiled: this salt was of great estimation with Hermes trimigistes to preserve the body in health.   

Balsamum urinae, the which through the great virtues it hath, deserveth to be called Catholicum, and is made thus.  
TAke the urine of young Children about the age of 12. 
Balsamum urinae.  years, that hath drunk wine for certain months if it be possible, the same putrefy in Balneo, or dung, a philosopher's year, then distill it with a gentle fire in sand being also luted, the which ye shall note diligently: the phlegm ye shall put upon the feces 4. times, than the last water keep close shut, the which is white and stinking, and therefore ye may give it both taste and smell with cinnamon and sugar, the feces that remained in the bottom being black ye shall sublime by degrees of fire, and you shall have a most precious salt, the which some affirm will dissolve gold, silver & other metals: some philosophers call it their menstrua. The virtues of this Balsamum urinae are infinite, and may rightly be called Catholicum remedium, because it hath marvelous virtues in all manner of diseases, and doth nourish nature wonderfully by his similitude and not by contrariety. It cureth the dropsy, provoketh urine and menstrua that are suppressed, it resisteth corruption, it cureth the plague, and sundry fevers, as pestilential, tercians, quartanes, and quotidianes, it withstandeth vomiting.  
There is no doubt but that all these virtues are contained in this blessed Mumia: for that we see the effect in crude urine, for it moveth urine and menstrua, it cureth tumours & the dropsy, it helpeth the pains and wind in the gutss, & colic, it is profitable against the fever tercian, quartan, & quotidian, and against the plague and pestilent fever it is a remedy, if it be drunk 15. days together with safron: or certain grains of this powder following, whose wonderful virtues daily experience doth show as well in curing as preventing, as hath been proved in the time of the pestilence.  
Take Maces laid to steep in vinegar 24▪ hours oum. ij. camphir oum. ss. Manus Christi made with dissolved pearl & oil of cinnamon oum. iiij. beat them in fine powder, and keep it to thy use.  
Urine also breaketh the stone in the rains and bladder, it dissolveth the obstructions of the liver, it cureth the iandies, it purgeth the lungs, and killeth worms, with divers other virtues, which ye shall find written in a book called Vrinarum probationes, jodoci Wilichij: the dose of the essence is from oum. i. to oum. ij. with sugar & cinnamon: of the crude urine ye may drink greater quantity.  

Rebisola.  Paracelsus writeth a great arcaun of urine, and calleth it Rebisola, and shall crystalline the which cureth the iandies: take the urine of a young child as afore, and boil it in a glass or stone vessel, and scum it clean, then put it in a glass, and set it in a moist place certain days, and in the bottom ye shall find certain stones ●f salt congealed, the which are called Rebisola, and are of a wonderful virtue against all obstructions of the body.  

pulvis conducens opthalmis, suffusionibus alijsqu●●gritudinibus oculori● externis. Aqua ad suffusionem.  The feces remaining in the bottom after the urine is quite boiled away, being calcined white, and dissolved in a convenient distilled water, and congealed again into a most white powder, is a most approved experiment against all outward griefs of the eyes, if it be put therein twice a day▪  
Rec. Euphrasiae, faeniculi, rutae, chelidoniae, ve●benae, betonicae ana. m. i▪ Rosmarini. m. ss. semen feniculi, anisi. carvi, sileris montani ana. oum. ss. Calami aromatici ʒ vi. thurismirrhae, aloes, ana ʒ ij. aque rosarum lb ij. aque rutae. vini odorati ana lb i urinae pueri lb ss. let them stand together four days, and then distill them in a glass, and therewith wash your eyes. Also ye shall hang in this water a fine linen cloth, wherein is the powder of white amber or succinum, or else put in the powder itself. Also it would be good to wash their feet in the morning with the decoction of betony and sometime to take the fume of Xyloaloes in the eyes, the which is a present remedy against Opthalmia.   

Of common salt.  

Common sals.  THere are found three sorts of salts, the one natural▪ which is a mean mineral called sal gemmae, or stone salt, the which is found in mountains in the province of Calabria, and in Spain in the isle of juiza, whereof there are divers medicines prepared, the second is artificial, as is made in Cheshire, and divers other places by boiling it. The third kind is made in the sand by extreme heat of the sun: but the most pleasantest and well relished salt is that which is boiled on the fire, for it is pure and white, nevertheless the salt of the mountain is of more virtue in physical causes: for if it be calcined 40. days and then dissolved in the quintessence of honey, it is of such virtue that it will in manner revive a man that lies speechless if ye give him a spoonful thereof to drink: also this salt being made in a pultus with bran and oil, and applied warm, helpeth many griefs. Also a decoction of sal gemmae with wine and oil being given in a clyster is most profitable against pains of the head, the sciatica, and pains of the rains, and likewise is profitable for those that are troubled with a carnosity in the yard: for by nature it preserveth all things from putrefaction: also this salt being often calcined, dissolved & congealed, may be used in meats in stead of common salt, for it procureth an appetite, causeth digestion, killeth worms with divers other virtues. Also it may be made fusible in this order.  

Sal gemmae.  Rec. lb. i. of shall gemmae and 2. ounces of tartar calcined, one ounce of sal nitri, and boil them in distilled vinegar until it be dry, then grind it to powder, and boil it with as much fair water until it be dry: and this ye shall do so often until it remain like an oil in the bottom, for as soon as it feeleth the air it will turn to water. This oil doth retain all volatill spirits, & is called of the Alchemistes their susible salt. It helpeth in manner all kind of ulcers if ye touch them therewith in short time. L. F.   

Oleum salis.  

Oleum salis  Rec. common salt lb. 3. terrae luteae lb. 6. salis nitri purgati oum. i. ss. mix them well together, & distill them in a retort of earth, as ye would do aqua fortis, until all the spirits be come forth, the which ye shall rectify in sand until all the phlegm be separated from the spirits. This oil being mixed with oil of verbascum, and anointed taketh away the pains of the gout, and dissolveth hard swellings, It quickeneth a man, it consumeth water between the flesh and the skin, it driveth away the falling sickness, it profiteth against the dropsy and fevers, if three or four drops be drunk with aqua vitae.   

Sal nitri.  
THis salt is a kind of salt of urine the which is taken forth of the earth by art, and is very profitable against many 
Sal nitri.  infirmities, and worketh two contrary effects, the first is, that it cooleth greatly, as ye may see in summer when the weather is most hot, how that for to cool their wine presently they take shall nitri, and mix it with water, and therein shake or move their bottelles of tin or glass being full of wine, presently it waxeth as cold as Ice: also laid upon the tongue, it cooleth marvelously. To the contrary, if ye drink the weight of ʒ i. it will heat the body marvelously. Also a water made of sal nitri and roch alum according to art is of such an extreme heat that it will dissolve silver, copper, Iron, steel, and all other sorts of metals presently into water. Moreover being mixed with coal and sulphur, it maketh gunpowder. Also sal nitri being calcined 30. days with as much tartar, and circulated with the spirits of wine mixed with the spirits of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, it will be a most rare medicine to cure the Etisie, and dropsy, & such like diseases.   

Oleum salis nitri.  

Oleum sali● nitri.  There is also an oil made of sal nitri▪ the which doth cui and disperse humours in the belly, it dischargeth the bladder of superfluous humours, it preserveth health, linguae nigrae calidaeque medetur, it helpeth ulcers in the mouth, ulcered bus canis convenit, etc.   

Sal petrae fusibills.  

Sal petre fusibili●.  Salt peter is a certain matter made of stones and is thus prepared.  
Rec. Calcis vivi q. v. and cover it two fingers high with water; and stir it well, then let it stand 24. hours, & you shall find upon it a certain scum or skin the which is the salt, which gather diligently with a scummer: take of that salt, and put thereunto a third part of pure oil of tartar, and it will be fusible, for this is the true salt peter: this serveth also to the making of glass and smaltes, and is apt to cause all metals to melt, and mix with any alchimicall medicine, and is of great virtue.   

Colirium contra pustulas, maculas▪ pannas, cataractas, & similes affectus oculorum quod visum acuit, & mirè conseruat.  

Colirium contra maculas.  REcip. Limature auri purissimi ʒ ss. Balsami, Croci, ambrae, ana. scru. 2. Musci, opij anae scru. 1. tutiae extinctae nouies in urina pueri, ʒ 1. tragaganthi, sagapeni, galbani, stercoris lacertae ana. ʒ ss. lapidis calaminaris, vitrioli albi, saccari candi, aloes hepatica ana. 1. scru Cortic myrobalan, citrinarun & indarun ana ʒ i Castorei, Ossis sepiae ana. ℈ ss. fellis vulturis, humani, ursini, aquilae an●ʒ ij. make of all these a coliri, with sufficient quantity of the juice of fennel, rue and celandine, of the which ye shall put two or three drops in the corner of the eye.  
In steed of that ye may use many times this medicine, the which hath a great virtue in all living creatures.  
Rec. A glass and fill it half full of wine, and set it in an Ant hill, that they may creep into the wine, then distill them altogether, or else let the ants stand in putrefaction 5. or 6. days in the wine and strain them forth, then distill it: of the which essence ye shall put 2. or 3. drops into the eyes: It is most chief against cataracts, red and painful eyes, if the disease have long continued, and hath fatty ●arnositie in the eye, first ye shall put into the eye a little burnt alum, until the flesh be eaten away, and then leave,   

A most excellent clyster dispereing wind, driving forth water against Hidropem asciten, adiuncta timpanit●, ascirrho i●cinor●▪  

〈◊〉 〈◊〉 discutiens.  REcip. the urine of a sucking child ℥ 10. and boil therein wheat the feed of fenel, aniseed, dyll ana. ℥ i. ss. purified honey ℥ i. fiat Clyster.     

Of the causes and reasons of spagiricke preparations of simple purgations.  
HYpocrates, in his book de natura humana doth write, that purging medicines do draw unto them the humours which are unnatural in the body, not by a common mingled quality, but by the simillytude or property of the whole substance, and an engrafted famillyaritie. Whose sentence Galen confirmeth against Asclepiadem and Erassistratum, who thought that purging medicines, could not draw any one humour, 
Lib de purgans med facult,  but whatsoever they touched, they could convert & turn it into their own nature, and so indifferently like leeches or boxes, to draw the sharp thin humours as is most apt to purge, rather than gross and thick: But whereas all alterations are done either by force of heat, or by driving away the empty, or by a similitude of the whole substance, that only (as Galen writeth) is done with the Sim●athiae of qualities, or else with the likeness of the whole essence: which things though I have plainly showed them, yet they cannot be expressed with wotdes, and the Greeks' call it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is a property, which cannot be declared. So the Amber doth draw straws, and the loadstone Iron: by which reason it is said that rhubarb expelleth collar, Agaricke phlegm, and Senna black choler, although besides this peculiar power of purging, every one of them have a certain general faculty to draw other humours, which is to be judged by the composition of many medicines, with which we use to purge divers humours, which alone would not suffice to purge by themselves, if those simples did not work together, with natural help to evacuate, & with a common force did provoke the expulsive power. It is meant (saith Galen) that the simples mingled together do agree and not differ 
Lib quos purge conve quibus & quo nodos.  in any thing. Amongst these medicines some be dygestives of choler which chiefly evacuate yellow choler▪ some of phlegm, that evacuat phlegm, some of melancholy which evacuate black choler, and so forth of the other humours. Therebe also other medicines which by the veins of the inward parts and belly do cast out the blood itself, which are called Jmpropriae seeing they be poisons; neither do they alone purge, but also destroy and kill as Galen witnesseth, who telleth a history of a certain man that had found an herb, which first took 
Libro de purg medicam fac Chap. 6.  away the blood of them that took it, and then afterward the life also; but those are to be rejected of all other: for the true & only evacuating of blood is done by opening of a vain, & not by those medicines which by a certain malign and sharp quality and deadly property, do eat the veins, and by alteration cast out the blood, the treasure of life not without great violence of spirits and vexation of nature,  
But of these purging medicines there are▪ 3. orders or sorts. The first malignant, in which is a certain vennamous power and substance, except they be prepared as they ought, among which are numbered of the roots these, Eleborus niger, turbith, hermodactilus. Esula, Cucumeris agrestis Asarum, Thymelaea, Chamaelaea, Among gums, scamonium, Euforbium, sagapenum. Among fruits and seeds, Colocynthis 
Lib. 3. Capit 5. med facult Chap. 24.  Lathyris. Among stones, Armenus, Cyanus.  
Which medicines if at any time they do not purge as they should, they do the body much hurt, as Galen writeth.  
The second are more milder, or gentle, which are so called because they purge gently without any grief, and they void the hurtful humours, not of the whole body, but of certain parts, and soften the belly, and do but little decline from nourishing of nature, which among herbs are these, Malua, Mercurialis, Violae, Rosae, Brassica, Beta, serum lactis purnes, manna theribinthina & cassia medulla, which need no other preparation than the common, that they may be safely taken.  
The third sort are of mean, among the which are, Aloe, Agaricus, Cnicus, Senna. Amongst roots Rhabarbari, ●oli●odij Jridis, raphani siluestris, mechoacam & Eupatorij mesuae: Which last simples were lately found out, and the root of the former is all together like in force unto the vitis ingrae. All these are called Men because they evacuate only superfluous humours which are unfit to norrish the body, and that without great labour, and chiefly if they be well prepared and their due dossis observed. The cause of the purging quality of all these simples is this: that a certain thin portion of it stirred up by natural heat, creepeth in by the open conditts or passages, into the lesser veins, and from thence floweth into the greater, from the which by the liver it is turned into the intestinalls, and into the reins itself, and then followeth evacuation of humores, by the belly, which sometimes are discerned by the urine, in which, as well the colour as the savour of the medicine received is manifestly seen, which any man may try in rhubarb & senuae.  
Seeing therefore the vapour of these medicines which we call the essence, being stirred up by natural heat from the earthy parts, doth attenuate the resting humour and moveth the nature of the part with a contrary quality, and provoketh it to cast out their earthly substance, or feces remaining in the stomach and the inward parts, who then is so doltish, that will not commend the spagirical preparation of these medicines, wherewith we do draw forth the essence which is the true purger, and take away the malign quality: Or at the least we suppress it with his own menstrua, which agreeth with his properties, and have an unity with them. We separate the feces or earth as deadly and hurtful, which doth much offend for his thickness, cleaving unto the tunicle of the stomach which Galen affirmeth out of Hipocrates in these words: 
Lib quos purge conve & er● Cap. 6.  For saith he, the purging medicine how small soever it be, it must needs go to the bottom of the stomach, and in going downe the stomach, and what soever is found about it is infected, not only by the quality of the medicine, but also by the cleaving of the substance: in the swallowing it is greatly hurt, and again, those that are of more thinner essences, more readily executed their proper 
Cap. 11. & lib ●. simp.  actions, than the gross, as Galen witnesseth in many places: Also where as he saith in the first book of simples, that those things which have but a small bodily substance do work more than they that have great. Our extractions of essences is to be commended in which all these things are performed the proper purgative quality of the humour notwithstanding reserved in the medicine as also it is made so much the stronger in that his unprofitable earth and fex is separated from it, and by his proper menstrua joined unto it all the malign quality is taken away, 
Lib quos purge, dec & caet cap 8.  which Galen writeth is to be done, where he saith, those seeds are to be mingled with medicines, which mittygate their mallignitie and hinder not their work which have force to extenuate & to cut, that they may cut asunder gross humours, and open the ways by which they must be avoided. All which things all learned men may judge to be done in our preparations. But some will say the extraction of essences is not so necessary, when as 
Lib. 7.  Actuarius commandeth (unto whose opinion Paulus agreeth) that to such as are of a weak stomach. 15. or. 20. grains of Lathiris are to be swallowed whole, & he saith, that though they be not bruised minimeque in Corpus permeent, yet they purge very much: Which place is not against our saying, but doth rather affirm it, because a little after he willeth that those who must be more effectually purged must eat them; by which it is manifest enough that there is a greater virtue by bringing the medicine into a fine substance. then in the whole maze, and in the essence itself a greater force than in the residence of it: which may be perceived in rhubarb itself, the infusion thereof doth purge more mightily than the whole substance doth, for▪ which cause I doubt not, but that the same grains of Lathyris are prescribed rather whole then bruised by any means to a weak stomach, because the force and strength of the Lathiris (as Galen saith) is much like in 
Simp med. 7.  force to Esullae, and these medicines are so sharp and vehement, that they purge both upward and doneward, with great vexation, and by that means the more violent they be, the more they hurt the stomach: but the slender body, as 
Simp. 1. caq. 12.  Galen writeth, is easier altered and changed of that whereunto it is applied: but that which is grosser is not changed but in a great time, and scarce at length feeleth any sensible alteration, for we try by experience that we are so much the sooner heated with pepper, as by how much the smaller it is beaten, and even so must we judge of the purging medicines, therefore in stead of those Infutions and decoctions after the common sort we use their essences, and that healthfully & without hurting of the stomach, or any of the other parts. But those vehement medicines otherwise to be feared, have been so rightly prepared of the true spagirics, that their malicious qualities and sharpness have been altogether bridled with their proper corrections, and so have served in stead of gentler medicines for the cure of diverse diseases. So our Essence of Elcborus Niger being well prepared is ministered at this day in many places, and is safely given to children to lose the belly without any labour: In the mean season there be a great number which ignorantly condemn these essences, and speak against the use of them, and spew out the poison of their gall against them, at whose railing I cease to marvel: because the Poet saith, that to those men that think nothing right but what themselves do, nothing can be found more unjust or wicked then that they do not: But there be other which being overcome with reason, will at last commend these our extractions of essences out of all things, but yet they fear this one thing, that is their fiery nature in them by a certain quality received of the outward fire, and therefore they refuse the use of them, chief in agues, and for curing of hot effects, by which they show themselves to be unskillful in the Spagirick Art, and to give rashly judgement of things unknown: For almost all Essences are drawn forth with the, temperate heat of balneo, or horsdonge, with proper means belonging thereto, which we call Menstrues, because the skilful spagirickes by it, with their art and labour do draw forth all the strength and virtue of any thing, separating that which is pure from the earth and stinking feces, reserving only the quickening escence, whose power rising up, as it were, breaking his bonds, doth draw itself higher and showeth much greater force than it did before, and more effectual for helping of the body. And if they will say that all the menstrues be hot, they are very much deceived; for the juice of lemond's prepared after our order is the menstrue for pearls, because it dissolveth them and changeth them into a thinner essence, and yet the juice is not hot, nor the essence of the pearls hot which remaineth. When the menstrua is separated away: And as (Galen writeth) we must not call whatsoever is subtle, hot also, for water itself is of a more subbil essence, which is manifest because it runneth speedily throw hair and garments, and yet being so thin, it never heateth as by his nature, neither is it the proper nourishment of fire, but it is contrary to it. But they will answer Vini alcool, his essence or spirit (which menstrue we oftenest use) to draw out the essence of all other things is most hot: let it be so: shall it therefore be called dangerous by any means: Seeing the proper menstrua is always separated out of every essence of things and all his force is taken away, and every medicine remaineth simple with his proper qualities, being only increased in virtue. Finally, to return to purge, who will deny that they have a hidden power of heat to stir up? with which notwithstanding, must be mingled such things as must take away their malignity and make it more subtle and piercing, and quicken his slow operation, and make it effectual according to the opinion 
Lib quos purge & caet cap. 8.  of Galen. Therefore Paulus wileth to mingle with Eleborus, pennyroyal and savoury, or any of those that suddenly pass through and are not hurtful to the stomach. Item all physicians do will to mingle with rhubarb, cinnamon, and spikenard with hermodactilis Radish, & Commin, with Cnicos, Cardamomum, Aloes with Nutmegs, mastic and cloves. with Agarick▪ turbith & sennae, ginger: which although they be hot, yet they are mingled in purgations: which also are safely given to the sick of the Ague; not that a hot medicine is given for the Agews sake, but that greater commodity might follow in rooting out the humours, which cause the fevers: for the commodity is greater, saith Galen, in taking away the molesting humours, than the hurt which necessarily is done to the body by the purgations; which yet will be more commodiously done, if whatsoever hurteth be taken away without pain by medicines prepared and corrected, which the common physicians do, although they take not away the heat of the simple mixed in the corecting of their purgations, and notwithstanding, they fear not to minnister them to hot diseases. But our Menstrua of Alcoole Vini although they call it hot, yet is it so spiritual (If we may use words of art) that with the least, heat it vaporeth away, and is altogether separated from that which it dissolveth, which is so separated from the feces that his power and subtle essence only remaineth, which also more aptly doth execute his proper action, whether it be to cool or heat, or to purge, and that with less danger for 2 causes. First because the essence of the medicine doth more swiftly pass thorough the bowels, and thereby the sharp and yearthy parts of them, cleaving to the inward parts, cannot ulcerate them, according to which opinion, Paulus speaketh thus of Colocinthide, let it, saith he, be diligently corrected, because 
Lib. 7. cap. 4.  his sharpness cleaving to the entrails do cause ulcers, and trouble the sinews with like effects. Secondly because all the noisome qualities of those Essences (if they cannot be wholly taken away in the first preparation may yet be taken away or easily corrected with mixing of other convenient essence: So the of Aloes, otherwise is slow in purging, will most swiftly purge, and lest it should open the veins by his to much subtleness it may eassily be corrected with our oil of Mastic, and so safely ministered. But let us hear Mesues judgement of all these preparations, who agreeing with Paulus and Avicen, that writeth Colocinthides is to be beaten small for our reasons aforesaid in these words: It doth require (saith he) long decoction and it is (as it seemeth to me) with the son of Serapion, contrary to the mind of the son of Zezaz, to be beaten to small powder, that his malicious power may be mixed with other exquisite things to correct him, that it may the sooner pass thorough the bowels, and not stay in them for the thickness of some part not well beaten, whereby it may peradventure be longer stayed in the bowels, and exulcerate them, chiefly when by some little parts of it sensibly felt. who cannot deny, but that all these are done more commodiously with our essences, & with greater profit to the patiented then the simple powder. I think none, except some dunghill raker, that is altogether unskilful in physic. It remaineth that we set down the extractions of purgers: and their preparations, and so to prosecute in order.  

Of Eleborus.  

Extractio sine essentia Eleborie.  TAke the roots of black Eleborus, fresh gathered in Autumn, 1. li. boil them in water of aniseed & peniroyal, out of which the oil is drawn Chimicallie, closely stopped in Balneo, a whole day, then strain it forth hard, and distill it by a filter, until it be clear: then separate the menstrua, and in the bottom will remain a slimy substance: unto which pour the spirit of wine that it may be covered four fingers, and so let it stand two or three days close stopped, to digest in Balneo, then pour away that part which is clear, & put on more, doing as ye did before, until you have drawn out all the essence, with reiterating the digestions, always separating the feces, according to art: which done, separate the first menstrua in Balneo, that being done, circulate it with new spirits of wine of the infusion of maces, for certain days, then separate the Menstrue again, & in the bottom shall remain Essentia Ellebori in form of a sirop, and Duskish of Colour, the which thou shalt keep to many uses.  
℈ j of these essence mixed with certain drops of oil of And mints is given fasting with some convenient decoction or water of worms against the dropsy. Item with water of Betony it helpeth against diseases of the brain, as Maniae, Melancholiae, Vertiginis, Epilepsiae, and Paralysis, it purgeth choler and phlegm without any pain, and finally the whole body of all corrupt-excrements, which (as Hipocrates saith) maketh a man healthful, and as it were young: it draweth not only the hurtful humours and excrements out of the vessels by purging the blood, but also from the whole body and skin itself, and therefore it is very healthful against Elephantiasis, the canker, Erisipelas, malomortuo, all eating 
Lib. 7. cap. 4.  sores. Paulus did give about ʒ i. of the root of Eleborus niger infused in aqua mulsa fasting against the aforesaid diseases. I know not why in our time we have left the use of it, and shun it as it were some strong poison: and yet in the ancient time it was so much commended (except it be through the unskilfulness of the Physicians) seeing the malice of this medicine, and all other may easily be taken away with their true preparations, as we have declared: and that this doth good, Hypocrates witnesseth, where he maketh mention of white Eleborus, saying thus. To some bodies (saith 
Aph. 16. lib 4.  he) Eleborus is troublesome: as in other places he saith, that all biting medicines are nought for them, but it being corrected by art and industry may rightly be ministered to whom and when it ought, and worketh healthfully: but these men will say, that in the time of Hypocrates their bodies were more stronger, or else Heleborus in those countries had no malicious qualities (for simples according to their several regions and places have several qualities) neither stirreth up such fearful passions as in our country: 
Lib. 2. cap. 20  to which purpose Messue speaketh this of Eleborus, the white because it is troublesome to the bodies of this our time, let it be shunned as it were a strangling poison: and he addeth, but the virtue of the black is tolerable even unto our time, although also very hardly. I think only by this opinion many Physicians to be so feared, that being content with the reading of some writers alone, they condemn things they know not, and whereof they have no experience, without any reason disallowing medicines, which is altogether an absurdity, and unfitly for a Physician at the length they will answer, that both the Greeks' and Arabian Physicians did use those violent medicines, because they wanted the lighter as rhubarb, Cassia Manna, and such like which may be safely given and with more profit. But oh what great praise they get by these medicines in the curing of many diseases. Do not these men know out of Hypocrates, that to extreme diseases extreme medicines must be applied, and that some times the excrements mingled with blood in the veins must be drawn out, not from the only concavity of the parts, but from the whole body and from the parts farthest of, yea and the brain itself sometimes, and the whole head & the instruments of the senses▪ and the sinews, and the rest of the entrails must be purged of many affects: which when those sleight medicines can not do, we must take the stronger, as Eleborus Niger chief. Although I know that at this day many notable Physicians both in Germany and Italy do use the white with good success, out of the which if the essence be taken, as we have taught, it may be given with marvelous profit of the sick and praise of the Physician to daily diseases, and to such as the superfluities are broken out in the uttermost parts as the leprosy & Impetigo, for therein is a great and peculiar power of essence, in that to bring forth whatsoever is mingled with the blood that doth corrupt it. It is also given to such as have the quartain, dropsy, and are Melancholic, and to many other diseases, as we have declared, because it doth purge gently without any trouble or vomiting the excrement of the whole body.   

Of Turpetum, Hermodactilis, Thymelea, Chamelea, Esula, and other milky purgations.  

Extractum turpeti.  MAke Mesues turbith into powder, and choose that which is whitest, and gummy, and reasonable new, then put it into a glass with a long neck, and put thereon the spirit of wine that it may be covered four fingers, than lute it with Hermes seal, and set it in Balneo two or three days that the menstrua may draw forth all the essence, then power out that menstrua & put on fresh, and do so still until all the substance or tincture be drawn out: then circulate all the menstrua together, that it may come to the highest perfection of degree, then separate thy menstrua, and in the bottom will remain thy essence, the which will be more perfecter: if then in the correction of it ye add for every ℥ i. of essence, oil of nutmegs and Ginger ana. scrup. 1. For with this his operation is so altered, with a certain marvelous property, that it worketh without loathsomeness & perturbations, and purgeth the joints, and those farthest places from slime and thick phlegm whereas else it would only draw the thin matter, and that very slothfully. The dose of this essence is 1 scru. with red wine, or some decoction pectoral. It helpeth against the Hed●opes and all phlegmatic diseases.  

Extractio Hermodactilorum. Dios●or. 45. cap. 79. Gal. simp. 6. Paul. lib. 7.  THe essence is drawn out of the white & chosen root of Hermodactilis of Aegineta after the same manner, as out of Eleborus. (Not the root of Cholchicus ephemeris: of the apothecary's, which Dioscorides, Galen, and Paulus affirm to be poison.) This draweth gross slimy steam especially from the joints, and therefore it helpeth much Arthrites: Yet it must be corrected with the oil of coming and cloves, lest with his windy humour it hurt the stomach and provoke loathsomeness in it: it is given either by itself or with some convenient decoction. The dose is 1. scru. either more or less according to the strength of the patiented. The roots of Esulae, Thymelee and Chameleae, seu Meserij serapionis and Thapsi●e succus: which draw forth partly phlegm, partly choler, & 
Extractio Lactario●ū  yet not without biting because they be all sharp and fiery, and very dangerous, for they excoriat the bowels, & break the mouths of the veins: the which are prepared in the same manner that Eleborus is, and their extraction is given without danger, if it be mixed with the extraction of Myrabolan● against the hydropsy, and to purge sharp humours out of the joints themselves. The dose is about 1. scrup. with ℥ 1. of the oil of sweet almonds. In the same manner ye may draw the essence out of the grains of Lathiridis being beaten unto the which to correct it ye shall put oil of Mastic and oil of Nutmegs.   

Of wild Cucumbers, Ebulo, sambuco, and Squilla.  

Extractum rad. cucu. agrestis.  THe roots of wild cucumbers must be gathered in May, and then stamped, and their juice taken forth, the which must be filtered very clear: upon which power the spirit of wine santalatum & optime praeparatum, then set all in Balneo 3. or 4. days, and what is pure power of, and put on more spirit of wine, until their remain no more feces, then circulat all together for certain days until a higher degree, the which being done, separate thy menstrua in Balneo, and congeal thy essence with a soft fire in sand until it be thick, unto which add for every ℥ i. of essence 1. s●r. of oil of c●namon & ℈ ss. of the essence of safron. This medicine doth purge sharp humours mightily, by which reason it helpeth the Hidropsie, the jaundice, and all obstructions of the liver and spleen. If 1. half scru. or more according to the strength of the patiented be given with white wine in the morning fasting.  
Out of the juice of wild cucumbers being gathered in Autumn when they are ripe is made a noble medicine, if it be rightly prepared to purge choleric and sharp excrements. 
Elaterium.  This medicine the Greeks' call Elaterium, whose preparations Dioscorides showeth in his fourth book of simples. But if it be thus prepared, it is more effectual, and with less danger or hurt. The juice must be gently pressed out, & then distilled by a filter until it be clear, than put it into a glass with a long neck, with as much of the spirit of wine, and let them digest in Balneo certain days until it is separated from his feces▪ then separate the menstrua with a soft fire, & put on new spirits of wine infusionis diamarg. frigidi, and circulate them altogether 10. days in a Pelican, that the force of the medicine may be increased, and all malignity taken from it: at length separate the last menstrua, and coagulate it with a most gentle fire, which will be done in a few days, of the which take 1. oum. and put thereunto oil of nutmegs and cinnamon ana, 1. scru. and mix them together, & so have ye the spagirical preparation of Elaterium, or his Essence, which doth draw meruellouslie all sharp excrements out of the joints, and from the brain, and therefore helpeth much Arthritides, dropsies, old headache, and the falling sickness, the dose is ℈ ss.  
Out of the root of Squilla, after the same order you shall draw and prepare the juice: but to do it better ye shall take 
Extractum squillae.  sweet malmsie, it doth evacuat gross and slimy humours, that stick in the breast, by cutting, extenuating, cleansing, dissolving, and digesting them, and taketh away the obstructions of the liver and spleen, the dose is ℈ 2. with some pectoral decoction, or cinamome water.   

De lachrimis purgantihus & Colocynthide.  

Extractum scammoniae.  ALL Physicians do agree that Scammony is a most violent and dangerous medicine, and that for many causes, for with his biting blasts it hurteth the stomach very much, and overturneth it. Further with his immoderate drawing it doth open the veins, & with his sharpness doth excoriat the very entrails, and by that means bringeth great pains: for which cause Galen doth mix him with Quinces, others do boil it with Galingale, Ginger, Aniseed, 
Lib, 1. a limb.  Daucus, or Smaledge seeds, or with the muscledge of Psyllium, or boil it in a sour or tart apple to make it more mild: but by the spagirical preparation it may be made so commodious to be used that it may be mixed with any other medicines without any danger, and safely ministered to purge choler and phlegm.  
Dissolve Scammony in oil of Mastic drawn out by the art spagirical with the spirit of wine, that being done digest it eight days in Balneo close stopped: that which is clear and shining power of, and power on new menstrua, until you have drawn out all the essence, notwithstanding put apart all the feces, then separate all the menstrua, and put on new spirit of wine corolisated, that it may be covered, four fingers, circulat them all in Balneo 10. days or more, then draw away the menstrua, and for every ounce of essence that remaineth in the bottom, ye shall put thereto the true essence of coral and pearls, ana 1. scrup. the essence of safron half a scru. oil of Aniseedes and cinnamon ana 1. scrup. & a half, mix them all together on a soft fire until a reasonable thickness. Mingle this essence so prepared with the essence of aloes and Mirabolanes, and it will be a compounded medicine very profitable to purge choler, and to draw down sharp excrements from the head, half a scruple may be given by itself with 2. oum. of oil of sweet almonds without any trouble or heat of the heart or stomach, or liver and bringeth from those places choler. To prepare Euforbium, Sagapenum, and Opoponax, you must dissolve them first in white rose vinegar distilled in Balneo, then strain them through a searce from all their terrestrial matter, and thus thou shalt do 3. times that it may be the purer: then vapour away the vinegar, that the sharpness may be taken away with often washing it with rose water, for these medicines are sharp, and of a thin and fiery substance: but Euphorbium of all gums is the hottest, subtilest & swiftest, and burneth most with a fiery force (as Galen witnesseth) which it doth with such violence, that 
Lib. 7. simp.  we must greatly beware of the use of it except it be rightly prepared: Serapio and Avicen have written that ʒ iij. taken of it doth kill: and yet Aetius and Actuarius used it not only to purge phlegm, but also mightily to expulse all sharp excrements. 
Lib. 3. cap. 80.  And Dioscorides witnesseth, that we must give it to the sick of Ischiadis only mingled with honey. Paulus also saith ʒ i. of Euforbium being drunk with honey doth rather expel phlegm then water. But by this preparation following all his malign quality may be taken away, so that it will help very much against the palsy, Arthritide, Cramp, dropsy, & purge phlegm without any trouble whether it be thin or thick or lying among the sinews and 
Extractum Euforbij.  joints, and it is prepared in this order.  
Take your Euforbium prepared and washed as is aforesaid, and cover it with the spirit of wine, so that you may draw forth his essence, separating the feces, and all the impurity, then circulat all with new Alcoole sacharino 10. days, then separate the menstrua and coagulat it with a gentle fire putting thereunto at the end the oil of mastic 2. scru. olei Anisi 1. scrup. Essentia Corralli half a scrup. & make thereof a mixture. The is dose 1. scrup. with some convenient decoction to cure all the aforesaid diseases.  
Thus are medicines prepared of Opoponax, Sarcocolla and sagapenum most profitable against the same diseases, of 
Extractum opoponax sar. sagap. etc.  whose force purging downward the Grecians have not spoken, but it was found out by the Arabians: and these purge more gentlier than doth Euforbium. of all these is made a compound medicine, purging thick and slimy phlegm even from the furthest parts of, as the head, the sinews, the joints and the breast. I will shortly if God give me leave set forth a description of our spagirical practice, in which I will more fully and at large declare the compositions and use of all these medicines.  

Extractum colocynthidis.  The force of Colocynthida is so vehement in purging that sometime with his only touching, and yea, with his only smell he doth purge the belly of some. This medicine though it be otherwise most vehement, yet by the preparation following it may safely be ministered. Beat Colocynthida in most fine powder, and put thereon the Alcoole of wine well prepared, that it may be covered six fingers, then digest it in Balneo 3. weeks being close nipped, and in that time it will lose all his sharpness: but if it be digested a longer time, the extraction will wax sweet, and so it will be made a noble medicine against phlegm and all other gross and clammy humours to draw them from the lower parts, and that without any harm, as we have declared, and therefore it is ministered with the Syrup of roses or myrtels, against diseases in the head, and megrim, and falling sickness, and apoplexia, and is also corrected with oil of Mastic, Nutmegs, and cinnamon.   

Of stones that purge.  
LApis Armeninus & Cyaneus must be made red hot vj. times and quenched in aqua ardenti, then beat them to powder very fine, and wash them with fair water, casting away the earth, & that which will swim upon the water, and do thus often times: then wash the rest of the powder that is left after it hath been first dried with water of bugloss or melissa, evaporate away the water with a gentle fire, which being dry digest with our heavenly menstrua & the spirit of wine in Balneo, and circulat it 30. days to the highest degree, them separate the menstrua, and congeal it with a gentle fire: and to correct it, ad the essence of pearls, coral, and saffron, with oil of cinamone and cloves, it helpeth against melancholic affects, the frenzy, vertigo, Epilepsia, Cephalalgia, quartans, and the canker▪ His dose is 1. scrup▪ & half with water of balm or bugloss: it purgeth black choler, and whatsoever gross slimy thing is mixed with the blood.  
The stone Cyaneus thus prepared may more commodiously be given in the confection of Alkermes, being commended by all Physicians against the trembling of the heart, syncope, sadness, and to strengthen all the spirits, and to drive away all poisons.   

Of the preparation of rhubarb, Aloes, Sennae, Agaricke, Myrabolanes, Oxiphenicis, and of such like of a meaner sort.  
THese medicines are compounded by Actuarius and the rest of the Physicians among the true purgers, because every of them do draw by his whole substance, their proper humour: for they purge not the whole body from the root (as I may say) but not with so great trouble. Physicians use them chief to cure almost all diseases, either because they may be used without any greater preparation then that which they themselves know, or else because they dare not try any better, seeing they are ignorant of the preparations of their medicines. In the mean season the purging power of these mean purgers may be greatly increased with spagyrical preparations by taking out of them that which is pure and separating the feces which are contrary to the purging of man's body, & thereby will great profit follow. First, for that the stomach will not be hurt with the medicine, when nothing shall hinder, but that it may perform his work & speedily move the body & be likewise moved of it again. And secondly the sick or diseased person will more easily a great deal take it, for that there is but a little quantity of the medicine, which are sometimes found to be hard, that they had rather change life for death, than they would drink up whole cupfuls of those troubled & thick medicines, which the stomach of many can not abide before they take them, or else is made so weak that it loathing them, do cast them up again, and that with great trouble. True physicians therefore should give diligent heed to seek out these preparations of medicines, both for their honour of the art of Physic, & for the health of the diseased. It is manifest that the essence of rhubarb is of a purging 
Ex Rab●  power, because of his subtle part, which is left in his decoction▪ so that thereby he looseth his purging virtue, which by Physicians is taken out, if it be macerated in some thin liquor by putting too white wine & cinnamon. They call this the infusion of rhubarb, because they do after a sort draw out the force and essence of the rhubarb casting away the seces. But by this method following, that medicine will be made a great deal better and more profitable.  
Beat thy rhubarb to powder and put thereon the Alcool of wine that it may be covered four fingers, then close it fast and set it to digest three or four days in Balneo, until the menstrua be coloured, then power it out & put on fresh, & do so until the menstrua will be no more coloured, that the feces remain white, all being well circulated according to art, separate the menstrua by Balneo, and the essence of the rhubarb will remain in the bottom: then to every ounce thereof add oil of cinnamon 2. scrup. of which if you give 1. scrup. with a spoonful of white wine, it doth purge more mightily than 1. oum. of the infusion, & yet with less trouble. This medicine may be ministered unto children & to women with child & old men, and to those that are weak through sickness. It purgeth and bringeth forth yellow choler. The feces or earth that doth remain is of a binding quality, and therefore it is prescribed against Lienteria, Dissenteria, & al●● fluoribus. But if any desire to have it purge more stronger, let him calcine the feces in a reverberatorie, & then with water draw forth his salt, & with reiterating his filteratiō● it will be purified like crystal: then cast his essence that was drawn out upon his alkaly, & digest him, & then distill him, for by this means the strength of all medicines shall be increased.  
So shall you prepare the extraction of aloes, which doth purge 
●actum ●es.  choler and thick phlegm, but gently chief from the stomach and intrailles, and strengtheneth those parts as well in cleansing as purging them, to this extraction ad oil of cloves and mace, to resist his force, & the oil of mastic to take away his sharpness 
●actum ●rici.  and corroding quality. Agaricke being prepared after the same order doth purge chief phlegm out of the stomach, mesenterion, liver, spleen, and lungs from the brain and sinews, not so swiftly because his power is weak. His dose is 2. scrup. aswell to the young as to the old, but because it doth somewhat offend the stomach, it is corrected with the oil of ginger and spike. Thus may you have out the extractions or essence of seen, polypody, mechoacam, mirabolanes, and such like, which you may minister to whom and when they be convenient, by putting to them their proper corrections according to the quality of the sickness and the strength of the diseased.  
These are they which I purposed to set forth of the spagirical preparations, meaning shortly (God willing) to set forth greater things, that thereby those that are studious for true physic, may enjoy my labours, watchings, and traveles, and the profit that I have gotten thereby through the talk of divers learned men. Of which I thought good to shadow certain things with certain secret words of art, lest I should seem rashly to cast forth those precious pearls hear set forth principally for the spagyrical Physicians to the Sophisters of all good discipline, and contemners of the secrets of nature, who when they have gotten any common or never so slight a thing out of the nest of Cadmi fillius, they contemn things unknown, and are not afraid to rail at that art, and unwiselye to taunt with all kind of bitter words, at that which they never so much once did see.  
FINIS.    

The virtues of aqua Balsamie.  
IT preserveth all things from putrefaction that is put therein or anointed therewith, as the natural balm doth in all respects.  
If any be touched with the pestilence, so that the heart or brain be not infected, give them ʒ 2. thereof to drink, and anoint his stomach with the same, & lay him down to sweat, and in once or twice using it, by the grace of God they shall be holp, for it will suffer no venom to remain within the body. Being taken in the aforesaid order, it helpeth those that have surfeited by any means.  
Being anointed on the stomach morning & evening, it causeth an appetite, and consumeth cold humours: also if you drink thereof every morning ʒ i. fasting, it will purge the head and stomach of all superfluous moisture and sharpeneth the sight, if ye drop now and then one drop into the eye.  
Being drunk as is aforesaid, it helpeth those that are troubled with the Rheum, Catarrh, cough and stitch in the side caused of wind.  
Being put into the ear, it comforteth the sight and hearing marvelously and all impediments in the head, and consumeth all evil humours by his proper quality and nature, so that if ye use it, ye shall wonder at the operation. It helpeth all manner of wounds, in what place of the body soever they be, if ye wash them therewith, and lay thereon a cloth wet in the same twice a day.  
If ye wash the Sciatica therewith, and lay thereon a cloth wet in the same, it taketh away the pain in very short time.  
It provoketh urine, and expelleth gravel in the rains, being drunk with parsley water, or some convenient liquor: it is good against the Fever quartan, if ye drink thereof 10 or 12. days together every morning ʒ 1. or ʒ 2. after that the stomach hath been evacuated. It resolveth all aches and swellings, coming of cold, if ye bathe the place therewith. It helpeth the tooth ach, if ye hold it in your mouth so long as ye may suffer it. It helpeth those that are troubled with the Cramp, or that have their mouths drawn awry by that means▪ if they drink a small quantity and hold the same in their mouth, & anoint the parts therewith morning and evening.   

Aromatico, L F.  
THis Armatico is good against most contagious diseases, as the falling sickness, Melancholy, the Gout, Elephantiasy, & Resolutions, and such like kind of diseases, as the quartan, the tertain, and quotidian. It is most profitable for those that are struck with the pestilence, or that have drunk poison, & for those that are continually pained in the head, also it is very profitable against the dropsy, and water between the skin and the flesh, and those that cannot fetch their breath, and against obstruction of Menstrua, malign ulcers, the Pox, and such like diseases: it is either to be eaten or drunk in wine, or a little warm broth: itpurgeth both the stomach and body of all noisome humours.   

Fodicationum Emplastri.  
THe virtues of this plaster are innumerable, as well against old ulcers as new, and also wounds. It drieth, mundifyeth and increaseth good flesh, and healeth more in a week than any other doth in a month. It will not suffer the flesh to corrupt nor putrefy, nor evil flesh to grow. Against sinews being thrust through or bruised it is an excellent remedy. It draweth forth Iron, Led, Wood, & such like being laid upon the wound.  
It cureth the biting or stinging of venomous beasts. It bringeth an impostume to maturation, being only laid thereon. It is excellent against the Canker, ignem persicum, and to mitigate all pains. And it may be kept 30. years in force.  
These are to be sold by john Hester, dwelling at Pools wharf at the sign of the stillitory.  
1591.   

The Table of the first part of this Book, those marked with R. signifieth remedies.  

AIry things that can not be congealed. fol, 12.  
Alba spina philos. 14, Anima lapid philosophorum. 13,  
All metals swim above Quicksilver, except Gold. fol, 9  
Art imitature of nature. 16, 17, 19  
Augmentatione, 14,  
Ashes of Cockle shells, fol, 4  
Affects of the pestilence, R, 6, 5,  
Ad tophos. 6,  
Ashes of Crabs, thought rather bitter then to be sharp, 5▪  
Acorus the root, 5,  
The natural agent or doer. 8, 18.  
Agricola & Aubertus did without cause reprehend Aristotle. 10  
Aubertus is contrary to himself. 13  
Aubertus perceived not Agricola his meaning, fol, 8,  
Aubertus in boiling of eggs, boiled pieces of gold. 16,  
A similitude drawn from the increasing or growing of the child before it hath perfect shape. 9,  
Aloes why it is washed. 2.   

B  
Bitter things their virtues 5,  
Briony root. 4,  
Biting of a mad dog, R, 5,  
Bark of Capares, 4,  
Bark of the Ash, 4,  
By the motion & operation of the celestial bodies, forms and essences, are brought upon earthly and inferior bodies. 14,   

C  
Commendation of the chemical Arte. 19,  
Cibacio Coagulacio, fol, 14  
Calcinatione, 4.  
Coniunctione, 13.  
Colic. 2,  
Conulciones, R, 4,  
Coral, 7,  
The Chemist subject is not sought in animal things. 19,  
Cadmia, 11  
Calcinatione was used of the Ancients, 4,  
Crabs eyes calcined, 5,  
cordials what they profit, 2, 6, 8,  
Calchanthi et Colcotharis generatio arteficialis, 19,  
Common sulphur is not the matter of the Philosopher's stone, 16,  
Cuttell bone, 4,  
Chemical Art may sometime be termed natural, and sometime artificial. 16.  
Chemical Art is possible, & may be attained unto, & is very natural, 19  
Chemical Art teacheth the true preparations of medicines. fol, 6, 19  
Chimiste, why they have such evil report spread of them, ●1,  
Crabs calex do not increase the quartain, 5   

D  
Digesting, I fol, 4   

E  
Elixir, 17,  
Expelling of the stone and gravel, fol, 4▪ 5,  
Eggs is no matter requisite among the Chemists. 16  
Eggs the chief end whereto they serve 9   

F  
Fermentatione. fol, 18  
Fermentum, fol, 17  
Forma essentials, 10,  
Feminine qualities. 11   

G  
Grose vapours under the earth. fol, 11  
The great work, 11.  
Gold, 2, 7, 22, fire can not consume it. 2. 8. 9  
Gold containeth Silver, 15.  
Gold to be in copper Mines, 15   

H  
Heat is the next efficient cause of metals, 14  
Heat his force & virtue, 10, 13  
How many kinds of congealed or concrete bodies there are, 13  
How metals are made of the elements, 13   

I  
Iron turned to steel. 14  
Incoagubilia, 18   

L  
Lead, 7  
Lac philosoph. 18  
Laudanun, a most laudable medicine, & what simples go to the making thereof, & why his description is here omitted. 23  
Lapis philosophic. 16.  
Like is holp with the like, 4.   

M  
Mean minerals, 7,  
Markasites idem,  
Many and those very erroneous opinions, concerning the matter of the Philosopher's stone. 16, 17  
Masculine qualities. 11  
mollifying the cough, 2,   

N  
Naturalis formae duplicis. 19  
Natural agent or doer. 8, 19,   

O  
Opium not corrected is very perilous, 2  
Opium killed the Father of Licinius, 2,  
Out of what things the Paraselsians medicines are taken. 6   

P  
Paraselsus praise worthy. 1,  
Proiectione, 18,  
pulvis philosop. 18  
Putrefaction. 17  
Philosophers stone is not to be sought in vegetals, 16  
Perfectio rei, 9, 16  
Paraselsians, imitate most ancient physic. 2   

Q  
Quicksilver is not unknown to the Chemists, 13, the Common Mercury is not the matter of the philosopher's stone. 16,  
Quicksilver is not metal indeed, but may be brought unto metal, 7, 42, that it may wax hard & run together, 12, that it is of an airy nature that it is the next and nearest matter unto metals, 12, that it may be put in the beginning of the preparation of metals, in steed of their matter. 13.   

R  
Regeneration, 18  
Rubrica metallum, 7.  
Refreshing of the spirits, 2,  
Rules of the Chemists. fol, 2,   

S  
Sharp things what they are, 5  
Silver in Lead 13  
Spleen, R, 3, 6,  
Sibium is not to be numbered among the metals. 7,  
Sulphur of the Philosophers, is not the common sulphur. 13,  
White sulphur incombustible, folio, idem, Salt artificial, 19 mineral, 19, fusible, burnt, 14.  
Salt of metal, fol, 7,  
Salt his force 5  
Salamandra philos. 18  
Sharp things their use is to be granted in a quartain Fever, 5,  
Salt is resolved only with salt 4,  
Salt which is congealed by heat, may be resolved by fire, 14,  
Sulphur is the next matter of medicines unto quicksilver, 10, 8, 12  
Spirits of things, have only their actions in bodies, 2,   

T  
Terra foliata 17  
Terra mortua 6,  
Trogloditys vires, 4,  
The efficient or procuring causes, are to be had in greater estimation, than the objects whereunto they work, 13,  
That iron contrary to Aubertus opinion, is not more excellent than gold, 39,  
That cold is proper to the element suffering 3, 15.  
That Trees may bring forth fruits & flowers in winter season. 16  
That the Lake Lemanus hath no Crabs in it, contrary to Aubertus opinion, 3.  
There are not many things or instruments required necessarily unto the finding out or making of the Philosopher's stone 17, 18  
That the Philosopher's stone, is a thing natural, 15,  
The effects and opeperations of the philosophers stone, 17, the true subject, the force & virtue 18, 20  
That there be many matters of one & the same thing, 6, 16.  
That metal is a word signifying many things, 7, 15  
The difference of metals among themselves, 9 in the division, 7, 10, the matter, 10, 14, cause.  
The difference between metal & stone, that melts with fire. 7  
That in preservatives against poison, such things are necessary, wherein there is opium, 2, 3,  
The secret & hidden property of all things, is a holi-anker of asses, fol, 4,  
The spirits & metals are not endued with contrary qualities, 11  
The form of Gold or Silver abstracted from his concreat, is not the matter of the Philosophers stone, 19,   

W  
Why the Author of this book, took upon him to answer Aubertus. 17  
Whereunto a sweet taste tendeth, 5,  
Where the elements give no place in mixed bodies, 10  
Whereof procreation or regeneration cometh, 16,  
What is the nearest & principal matter in the procreation of mankind, fol, 12  
What things are imperfect, 15.  
Why the Chemists do call the metals by the names of the planets. fol, 7,  
Why bodies congeal & grow together. 14    

A Table containing those chosen things mentioned in the second part of this book, whose marks with R. signifieth Remedies.  

ADamant stone, made soft and dissolved. folio, 33,  
Adamant the preparation why it is omitted, idem.  
Aeris oleum, 24, Aeris vitriolum, aes ustum. 33  
Affects of the pestilence. R, 33, 34, 35, 36,  
Against cold affects. 36  
Against poison of Musshrompes, 28  
A malgamy of Mercury and gold, 29,  
Antimoni the purger of gold, his flowers, sulphur, tintur, and glass, fol, 31,  
Aqua bituminosa, 30 Chalibiata, 23, Fixatorea pro turpeto, 29,  
Arsenike his oil, preparation, and sublimation, 29,  
Asmatiks, R. 28, 30, 31  
Auripigmentum, 30,  
Against all kind of maling and putrefied ulcers, R, 22, 24, 25,  
Ad tartareos morbos, fo, 38  
Affects of the brain, 23, 56, 58, 60,  
The use of apium very dangerous to women with child. 27,  
An excellent glister dispercing wind, 52,  
Aniseed oil, 42  
Aqua ad sufficionem oculorum, 50  
Agarike his extract, 53  
Aloes 53, how it is corrected, & his force increased, 56,  
Apoplecticorun, R, 60,  
Artritides, R, 58, 60  
Ash wood his oil, 45  
A composition of salts, that separate phlegm, 50 Artificial salts, and their properties, 48,   

B  
Balms for wounds, 45, 46, 47,  
Bilem evacuantia, 57▪ 58  
Blood his true evacuation, 53,  
Bayberies' his oil, 43  
Balsamum urinae, 50   

C  
Colocinthis, wherefore it is beaten in powder, 54, 56, his extract, 59,  
Colericum, R, 23  
Colic, R. 26. 27  
Comfortatives for the heart, 22, 27, 32, 34,  
Coral his tinture. 33.  
Corneola, idem  
Cranium humanij, his salt, oil, essence, and sublimation 35  
Crocus martis 23  
Crystal 33  
Coper 24  
Callos tolentia, 24, 29,  
Crabs eyes calcined 37  
Caput mortuum, what it is, 28,  
cordials what they profit. 22  
Ceruse or white lead folio, 25  
Calcites, 24,  
Celandine his essence, folio, 39  
Cow dung, the water thereof distilled, 37.  
Comfortatives for the stomach, R. 23. 32. 41  
Cuttell bone, 37  
Child birth. 36  
Chollike cured, 23, 40,  
Caraway seed, his oil, 42  
Cominseed his oil. 42  
Cloves his oil, 44,  
Cinamond his oil, 43.  
Common salt 51  
Colirium contra pustulars, et similibus affectis oculorum, 52,  
Causes and reasons of of the spagerike preparation of simple  
purgations. 53.   

D  
Diaphorelicum medicamentorum. 22, 29, 32  
Dropsy, 22, 27, 56, 58  
Defenes, R, 27  
Disinteria. R. 23, 60,  
Diarrheae, R, 23,  
Dill seed his oil, 42,   

E  
Eyes, R, 35, 37  
Eleborus of both sorts was used of the Ancients. 57, 58,  
Elephantiae, R, 56,  
Erisipelatis, idem,  
Esula radix, 57  
Expelling the stone, fol. 28, 33, 37, 54  
Euphorbium extractum fol, 60  
Excoriacione of the intestinals, 59,  
Eating medicines, how to take away their malingnite & sharpness, 30  
Eating or coroding medicines, profitable to be prepared in Chirurgery. 30,  
Elephant's tooth, or ivory, 36,  
Experience, 27  
Eggs his oil, 47   

F  
Falling sickness, R, 23 28, 31, 33, 34, 35,  
Phlegm purged from the joints, 27, 58,  
Phlegm purged, R, 56, 58, 59, 60.  
Fixationes vires, 29  
Fistuloes, R, 24  
Febris continua, 32,  
Febris quartana, R, 37  
Febris inter mittentis, R, idem.  
Febrium putridivem cohibentia, 31  
Frogs their spawn distilled, 37  
From whence all medicines are taken, 22,  
For such as cough forth matter & such like filthiness, R, 30,  
Fenell seed oil, 42,  
Fruits their oils, 43,  
Frankincense his oil, folio, 45,   

G  
Giddiness in the head, R, 56  
Galbanun his oil, 47,  
Gangrena, 30  
Gold, as the common people do take it, doth more harm then good. 22  
Gold his tinture, his white body, essence, and mercury, idem,   

H  
Hurting the stomach, fol, 59  
Himicraniaes, R, 60  
Hermodactilis his extract, 57  
Hisope his oil, 41,  
honey his liquor. 3●   

I  
Impetigo, R, 57,  
juniper wood his oil, 45  
juniper berries their oil, 43.  
ivy berries their oil, fol, 43  
Iron his oil, 23,  
Iliacorum, R, 26,  
juice of Lemons is the true menstrua for pearls, 31   

L  
Liver, R, 46, 23, 31, ●8  
Lactariorum extracta, fol, 58,  
Lapis armenius, 54, 60  
Lapis cian●us, ibidem,  
Latheris granorum essenci. 58  
loadstone, 53,  
Lungs, R, 31  
Liver of a Frog, 37,  
Lienteria, R, 23, 46.  
Lilium verum, 32,  
Lapis cornalinus', 33,  
Lapis iudaicus, idem,  
Lapis lincis, 33  
Lapis hematites 33  
Lapis spungiarum, 33  
Luna fixa, 22,   

M  
Mercuri balsamum, oleum, precipitatus, prepreparatione, et sublimatione. 27, 28, 29  
Mysy, 24  
Morphe●e, 32  
Musk. 36  
Mumia of 3, sorts, his essence and preparation, 34.  
mill pedum 37  
Mirabolanes 60  
Mali mortui, R, 32, 57  
Manna, 53,  
Mechoicam, ibid.  
Melancholia, R, 22, 23, 27, 32, 56,  
Menses moventes, 36,  
Menstrum quid, 55  
Melancholy purged, fol, 27, 57  
Mynts his oil 41.  
Mirrhae his oil, 46  
mastic, idem  
Mace his oil. 44   

N  
Napellus, 26,  
Nutmegs their oil, fol, 44,   

O  
Obstructions taken away, 31, 37, 38  
Opium not corrected, is perilous, how it should be amended, fol, 36,  
Oil of sulphur, his sublimation and balsamum, 30, 31,  
Oil of silver 23.  
Oils that suage pains, fol, 37,  
Oleum inceratium, 30  
Oleum macrobi, 49,  
Sal evisdem ibidem  
Oil of sweet smelling things, 43  
Oils of seeds, their preparation. 42  
Oleum salis nitri. 52,  
Oleum salis. 51,   

P  
Panaricio, R, 37,  
phthisic, R, 34,  
Pillule de barberossa, fol, 26  
Pissa spaltus, 34  
Plates of lead, their essence, the oil, his Sugar or salt, 25,  
Preparations of stones and gems. 32  
Precious stones as they are commonly used, doth profit little, 32  
The preparations of gums and rosens, 45  
Pearls their essence, 33  
Punctures, R, 37,  
The preparation of oils out of woods, folio, 44,  
The true preparation of oils, which are commonly used in Apothicaries' shops, to be applied outwardly. 47  
pulvis cōduceues opthalmia. 50  
Pepper his oil. 44  
Percellie seed his oil. 42  
Peniryall 40  
The Spagericall preparation of medicens taken out of Vegetables 38  
The preparation of Spiritus tartary. 38  
The extraction of liquors out of plants, flowers, seeds, and roots. 39  
Purging medicines of 3. orders. 54. & their preparations, 55, 60  
Poisoned things. R. 30, 31, 34, 35 53.   

Q  
Quicksilver never made trial of by Galen. 27   

R.  
Rebisola paracelfis. 51  
reviving of the body 22, 32, 56  
Read lead, 28  
Redness in the face. 37  
rhubarb his extraction 60  
Refreshing the spirits. R. 43  
Rosmary flowers his oil 41   

S  
Saffron his essence 43  
Sinews. R. 36  
Sagapenum his extract 60  
Sarcocolla his extract Ibidem  
Scamoniae his extract 59  
Silla his extract 58  
Seoa his extract 60  
Stopping of fluxes. 46  
Such are to be put in purging medicines, which do either take away their venom or do very much weaken them 55  
Sage his oil 40  
Sweet Margerum his oil Ibidem  
Sal Tartary 39  
Succiwm or Amber. 45  
Of salts purging by the cough 48  
Salt of Saint john's wort Ibidem  
Sal polipodi Ibidem  
Of salts purging by urine 49  
Salt of wormwood. 49  
Salt of gentianes 49  
Salt of gratiola 49  
Salt of Anonidis 49  
Salt of Radish 49  
Salt of broom 46  
Salt of bean stalks. 49  
Salt of juniper. 49  
Of salts purging by the womb 49  
Salt of Mugwort. 49  
Salt of Balm Ibidem  
Salt of Celendine. 49  
Of salts purging by sweat ibidem  
Salt of lignum vite. 49  
Salt of Scabiowes 49  
Of salts swaging pains ibidem  
Sal Macrobi, oleum eiusdem Ibidem  
Sal sanguinis humani, 50  
Sal perigrinorum 50  
An addition to the same salt to preserve health 50  
Salgeme 51  
Sal nitre 52  
Sal Petrae fusibilis 52  
Stone in the gall of a Bull. 37  
Stone in the maw of an Ox. Ibidem  
Swaging pains. 34, 36  
Sharpness how it may be drawn out of spirits 30  
Shaking of the members 36  
Salt of goats blood 32  
Stinging of Scorpions Ibidem  
Sandaraca 30  
Sublimation doth purify all things 28  
Spotes in the face taken away 38  
Sigillum lemni essentia 33  
Spleen. R. 23, 31   

T  
Thirst slaked 31  
Turpeti mineralis discriptio 26  
Toothache 31  
That the preparations of Mercury are hard and difficult things to be done 27  
The old Physicians took many inward medicines out of metals 23  
Things strengthening the stomach, 22, 33, 46  
Turpeti extractum. 57  
That the extractions of essences will yield no congealed matter in the Bulk of the body 55  
That the grains of Spurge though they be whole purge forcible 54, 55  
That the medicines which are of thine & subtle parts, are the most excellent 63  
That some medicines are fit than other, some for the purging of humours 53  
That the venom or malingnyte of medicines is taken away by their true perparation 56  
That all the menstures of the Spagerickes are not hot, 55. And although they were hot yet they hurt no thing in their extractions 56  
Turpentinehies oil. 45  
Time his oil 40   

V  
Of wine 38  
Vinum alcalisatum. 38  
Worm wood oil. 41  
Viscawes and thick humours expelled▪ 27  
Vitriolum, Col●oth●r▪ 〈◊〉 Oleum, Sal spiri●●s 31  
Vipers prepared 35  
unicorns horn 36  
Water of earth worms 37  
The wolf 30  
Wounds, R, 30, 〈◊〉  
Worms killed 27, 36  
Veins opened 60  
Corroded 58  
vomiting stayed 46  
Venamous medicines R. 53  
Wild Radysh 54   
FINIS.