Imprimat. Aphorism, Chymic. Th. Witherly, Praeses Coll. Med. Lond. Censores. Pe. Barwick, Jo. eliot, Rob. Pitt, Joh. Bateman, One Hundred Fifty Three CHEMICAL APHORISMS. Briefly containing Whatsoever belongs to the Chemical Science. Done by the Labour and Study of Eremita Suburbanus. Printed in Latin at Amsterdam, Octob. 1687. To which are added, Some other Phylosophick Canons or Rules pertaining to the Hermetick Science. Made English and published for the sake of the Sedulous Labourers in true Chemistry; By Chr. Pack, Philo-Chymico-Medicus. London, Printed for the Author, and are to be Sold by W. Cooper at the Pelican in Little Britain; and D. Newman at the Kings-Arms in the Poultry, 1688. To all the Lovers OF THE CHEMICAL ART. Gentlemen, ABout a Month since, I received among some other things, those 153 Chemical Aphorisms, from Amsterdam, where they had been newly printed in Latin, for which end they had been lately transmitted from Vienna, as appears by the Author's Epistle to his Friend. When I had perused and well-weighed them, with that little Judgement I could, I thought that I could do nothing more grateful to the Sons of Art, than to Publish them in English, which I have done with all the care and exactness I could. The other 157 Phylosophick Canons I have taken from Bernardus G. Penotus a portu Aquitano; where they are inserted with 115 famous Cures of Paracelsus, together with Pontanus his Epistle, and some other Phylosophick things, and printed in the Year 1582. Which together make up a Compenatum of the Chemical Art, and may serve the Studious for a vade mecum, or small pocket Companion, with which he may converse in his retirements. That it may be both pleasant and profitable to the Disciples of Hermes, is the only desire of, Gentlemen, Your ready Servant, Chr. Pack. From my House, at the Sign of the Globe and Chemical Furnaces in the Postern-street, near Moorgate. Decemb. the 8th. 1687. The AUTHOR TO HIS FRIEND. YOU see here, my highly-esteemed Friend, part of a certain Excellent Writing, digested into brief Aphorisms, as a Compendium of all those things which Philosophers are wont to observe, about the great Work of their Stone: Not that all things are here expounded which belong to the Complete Description of the Physical Tincture; for there are more things yet behind, with which the Author intends to adorn it; inasmuch as he hath determined to fortify these Aphorisms which he hath here emitted, from the Authority of the Principal Philosophers: in which Work he will accurately explain the Similitudes, Figures, and other obscure and confused manners of speaking, which every where occur in the Writings of Philosophers. That so at length those things which hitherto have been delivered too intricately, and confusedly by most Writers, may appear in some Methodical Order. Nevertheless, the principal scope of this Author, is not so much to expose or set forth his own Inventions, as to reduce the valuable Say of others into order; which he willingly submitteth to the Judgement and Examination of those, who have made a greater Progress in the Art than himself. But although I know this to be the purpose of the Learned Author, nevertheless I choose rather to transmit this little work to you, imperfect as it is, that you may weigh it, and cause it to be printed, then that the Sons of Art should any longer want this small help; that it may give a light to those who err and go astray in the midst of darkness. And that the Author may judge from the event of this his labour, whether it will be worth his Pains to emit the whole Work to the World. Farewell my good Friend, and let me continue to have a place in your Favour. Dated at Vienna, the 2d. of Septemb. 1687. CLIII Chemical Aphorisms; To which ●ay be Commodiously referred whatsoever belongs to the Chemical Science. Aphorism I. Alchemy is the perfect knowledge of whole Nature and Art, about the Kingdom of Metals. Aph. 2. Which by reason of its excellency, is called by many other ●ames. Aph. 3. And was first invented by ●●e Alchemus, as some think. Aph. 4. And in all times hath bee● so highly esteemed by Philosophers, by reason of its great Utility. Aph. 5. That the Adepti being moved with Pity, would not altogether conceal it. Aph. 6. Nevertheless, they hav● delivered it but confusedly, enigmatically, and under Allegories. Aph. 7. Lest it should fall into the hands of the unworthy. Aph. 8. But that it should be known to its own Sons only. Aph. 9 With which Sophisters should have no Commerce. Aph. 10. Wherefore this Scienc● is the Gift of God, which he bestoweth on whom he pleaseth. Aph. 11. Either by the Revelation of a faithful Friend; or by illuminating the Understanding of the Enquirer. Aph. 12. Who seeketh it by Prayer, diligent Reading, profound Medtation, and assiduous Labour. Aph. 13. Therefore it behovet the Studious of this Art, to be of a ●ure heart, entire manners, steadfast to his purpose, and a Religious keeper of Secrets. Aph. 14. And moreover, that he be endowed with a good Wit, health of Body, and a plentiful Fortune. Aph. 15. Because this Art requireth the whole Man, being found out, possesseth him, and being once possessed, freeth him from every long and serious business, causing him to disregard all other things, and to repute them as foreign and strange. Aph. 16. The parts of Alchemy are two, viz. The Theory, and the Practice. Aph. 17. For, seeing that Art can do nothing about Metals, except it imitate Nature; Aph. 18. It is necessary that the Knowledge of Nature should precede the Knowledge of Art Aph. 19 Alchemy therefore, in respect of the Theory, is a Science 〈◊〉 hereby the Beginnings, Causes, Properties and Passions of all the Metals, are radically known; that those which are imperfect, incomplete, mixed and corrupt, may be transmuted into true Gold. Aph. 20. Seeing that the final cause in Physic co-incideth with the form, the Principles and Causes of Metals are their matter, form, and efficient cause. Aph. 21. The Matter of Metals is either remote or proximate. Aph. 22. The Remote is the Rays of the Sun and Moon, by whose Concourse all Natural Compounds are produced. Aph. 23. The Proximate is Sulphur and Argent vive, or the Rays of the Sun and Moon determined to a Metallick Production, under the form of a certain humid, unctions, and viscous Substance. Aph. 24. In the Union of this Sulphur, and Argent-Vive, consisteth the form of Metals. Aph. 25. The which, seeing that it is various, according to the various manner of the mixture, and the degree of Decoction, hence arise various Metals. Aph. 26. Nature only effecteth this Union in the bowels of the Earth, by a temperate heat. Aph. 27. From the Union of this Water immediately flow forth two Properties or Passions, common to all the Metals, viz. Fusibility and Extensibility. Aph. 28. The Causes of a Metallick Fusibility are, Argent-vive, as well fixed as volatile; and a volatile Sulphur not fixed. Aph. 29. The cause of Extensibility is the viscousity or toughness of Argent-vive, whether fixed or volatile. Aph. 30. Metals therefore are Mineral Bodies, of a close and compact substance, and of a very strong Composition; fusible, and extensible under the Hammer, from every Dimension. Aph. 31. Which are commonly reckoned six, viz. Gold, Silver, Tin, Led, Copper, and Iron. Aph. 32. Of these, two are perfect; viz. Gold and Silver. Aph. 33. The other four are imperfect. Aph. 34. Of which, two are soft; viz. Tin and Lead; Aph. 35. And two hard; viz. Copper and Iron. Aph. 36. The Perfection of Metals consisteth in the abundance of Argent-vive, and the Uniformity of the Substance, or perfect union of the principles, which is performed by a long and temperate Decoction. Aph. 37. Hence slow various Properties or Passions, by which the perfect Metals are distinguished from the imperfect. Aph. 38. Of which, the first is, That the perfect Metals easily receive Argent-vive, but refuse Sulphur. Aph. 39 The second is, that they are not burnt, nor inflamed, but suffer the Examen of the Cupel, and of the Cement; or, at least, of the former. Aph. 40. The third is, that the parts of which they consist, to wit, the moist and dry, cannot be dissipated, severed, or broken by the Fire, which dissolveth all things. Aph. 41. The fourth is, that they suffer the greatest Extension of all the Metals. Aph. 42. The fifth is, that they are the heaviest of all the Metals, Led only excepted, in respect of Silver. Aph. 43. The sixth is, that being heat fiery hot, they send forth a Sky-colour or Celestial Splendour; neither are they melted before they have been some time fiery hot. Aph. 44. The seventh is, that they never contract Rust. Aph. 45. The Imperfection of Metals consisteth in the abundance of Sulphur, and the nonconformity of the Substance; or in the imperfect mixture of the Principles, by too short, or a sudden and intemperate Decoction. Aph. 46. By so many Properties or Passions as slow from the Water, the form of the imperfect Metals is plainly divers from the Properties of the perfect Metals. Aph. 47. The first of which is, that the imperfect Metals easily admit Sulphur, but not Mercury; except so far forth as they differ but little from it, by reason of their imperfect Coagulation; of which sort are Tin and Lead. Aph. 48. The second is, that they are burnt and inflamed: Nor do they endure the trial of the Cupell and Cement. Aph. 49. The third is, that their Essential parts (viz. the moist and the dry) are dissipated and separated by the Fire. Aph. 50. The fourth is, that they are less extensible than the perfect Metals. Aph. 51. The fifth is, that they are lighter than the perfect Metals, Led only excepted in respect of Silver. Aph. 52. The sixth is, that being heat fiery hot, they either contract a blackness, or a shining whiteness; and are either melted before they come to be red hot, or afterwards slower than the perfect Metals. Aph. 53. The seventh is, that they contract Rust. Aph. 54. Gold is a Metal most perfectly digested, of a yellow colour, mute, and shining; the heaviest of all the Metals, sustaining the trial of the Cupel and Cement. Aph. 55. Silver is a Metal less perfect than Gold, but more perfect than the rest of the Metals; digested, of a pure whiteness, clean, sounding, and abiding the Cupel. Aph. 56. Tin is a soft Metal, imperfectly digested, white, shining with a certain Blewness, somewhat sounding, and is the lightest of all the Metals. Aph. 57 Lead is a soft Metal, imperfectly digested, livid, mute, and heavy. Aph. 58. Copper is a hard Metal imperfectly digested, of an obscure redness, livid, and sounding. Aph. 59 Iron is a hard Metal, imperfectly digested, of an impure whiteness, livid, and growing black, and sounding much. Aph. 60. All the Metals therefore are of the same Original, and arise from the same Principles. Aph. 61. Neither do they differ among themselves, except in the quantity and quality of their Principles, and their mixture, according to the various degree° of their Coction. Aph. 62. Whence it followeth, that the imperfect Metals have a Disposition of receiving the form of the perfect metals. Aph. 63. Provided they be freed from their Sulphurous and Hetrogeneous parts, which are the causes of their imperfection, by a perfect Decoction. Aph. 64. Either by Nature alone, in the Bowels of the Earth, in process of time. Aph. 65. Or by the same Nature, in an Instant above the Earth, by the help of Art Aph. 66. By the projecting of a Medicine, which in a moment penetrateth and tingeth, the imperfect Metals being melted, and Argent-vive being made hot. Aph. 67. Which transmutation of the imperfect Metals, into perfect; that it is not only possible, Aph. 68 But also true; Aph. 69. Is confirmed by the common opinion of Philosophers, and by Experience. Aph. 70. And therefore the Stone or Medicine of Philosophers, by which this Transmutation is made, aught to have in itself the form of common Gold or Silver. Aph. 71. For if it should want that, it could not actually introduce it. Aph. 72. Every natural Compound is distinguished from other natural Compounds, by its own particular form, being really and actually distinct from all other forms of divers natural Compounds. Aph. 73. Hence, among all Substances which are determined in one of the three Families of Nature, to wit, the Vegetable, Animal, and Mineral; there is nothing found but common Gold, which actually containeth in itself the form, qualities, accidents, signatures and properties of common Gold. Aph. 74. Wherefore common Gold only will be the only Subject, from which the form of Gold ought to be taken, for the Composition of the Stone of Philosophers. Aph. 75. Common Gold is only simply perfected by Nature; that is, it hath no greater perfection than itself wanteth, as it is Gold. Aph. 76. And therefore cannot communicate its perfection to other imperfect Metals. Aph. 77. Therefore if we labour in that, that common Gold should introduce the form of common Gold into the imperfect Metals, for their perfection, it is altogether necessary, that the common Gold should be made more than perfect; that is, that it acquire more Aureity and Virtue, than is required for the single perfection of common Gold. Aph. 78. No natural Compound can be made more perfect, unless it be again subjected to the Operations of Nature. Aph. 79. And as often as it is subjected to those, so often it acquireth a more perfect form in its Species. Aph. 80. Which, that it may be done, it is necessary, to resolve it into a matter like to that, of which Nature hath most nearly produced it. Aph. 81. For naturally, there is no new Generation made, without a previous Corruption. Aph. 82. And seeing that common Gold, as we said above, hath its nearest rise from an unctuous and viscous Humidity, Aph. 83. It is manifest, that it cannot not be made more than perfect, except it be first resolved into such its first matter. Aph. 84. Every natural Agent assimilateth to itself the Patient, either in substance, or in quality. Aph. 85. Therefore, to resolve common Gold into a humid, unctuous and viscous substance, there is required an humid, unctuous, and viscous Agent. Aph. 86. Not any one, but one that is homogeneous, and of the same Nature with Gold: Aph. 87. Such a one as hath eminently the form of Gold, or may obtain it by a new Specification and Determination, when it particularly insinuateth itself into common Gold. Aph. 88 For, seeing that it ought naturally and radically to mix itself with the Principles of Gold, and to penetrate the Gold through every the least part of it, so that after the mixtion, no separation can ever be made; Aph. 89. After which manner, things heterogeneous can never unite themselves. Aph. 90. And moreover, that it be more subtle, more active and spiritual than common Gold; and therefore the first matter of Gold; Aph. 91. Seeing that nothing can be naturally dissolved, but in that, and by that, of which it is compounded. Aph. 92. Whence we conclude, that no Vegetable, Animal, or Mineral Substances, which are not of a Metallick Nature, (such are Stones and Salts) by any Artifice of Depuration, or Preparation, or Subtlety whatsoever, can make Common Gold more than Perfect. Aph. 93. Neither also Metallick Spirits, which are not of the nature of Gold; such are Sulphur, and Arsenic, and other lesser or middle Minerals, which are any way compounded of those, although they are more subtle, and more active than Gold. Aph. 94. For, seeing that it is spoilt of every Sulphur, therefore it doth not admit the said Spirits. Aph. 95. Although the Virtue and Efficacy of Mineral Spirits be so great in the Kingdom of Metals, that they cannot be altered, but by those only. Aph. 96. Therefore that common Gold, by its resolution, may be made more than perfect, to the end, that it may bring the imperfect Metals to perfection; it is highly necessary to have recourse to a Metallick Spirit which is of the same nature with Gold, and therefore can unite itself with it. Aph. 97. But seeing that, from what hath been already said, that common Gold is nothing else but a pure Argent-Vive, perfectly digested by Nature in the Mines of the Earth. Aph. 98. It followeth, that it is to be dissolved and rendered more than perfect, by no Spirit, but by Argent-Vive alone, crude and indigested. Aph. 99 But not the common Argent-Vine, nor that of Bodies, which is drawn from Metals, Aph. 100 Although Gold hath a ●reat friendship with those Argent-vives. Aph. 101. [For those, seeing that they come very near to the Nature of Gold, Aph. 102. They are the only Subject of a Passive Transmutation. Aph. 103. In which Nature hath ceased to operate equally as in Gold. Aph. 104. Therefore seeing they are not the first matter of Gold, Aph. 105. They cannot act upon it.] Aph. 106. But by the Argent-vive of Philosophers; to wit, that unctuous and viscous natural Humidity only, which is the root of all the Metals. Aph. 107. Which Metallick seed, seeing that it is not where obvious to our Senses in Mines; Aph. 108. And to create a Seed is not in the power of man, but of God only: Aph. 109. From what hath been said, it is necessarily inferred, that there ought to be some Mineral afforded, which may furnish us with this Mercury of Philosophers. Aph. 110. Which, seeing that according to the Premises, it ought to augment the Tincture, Fusibility, and Penetration of Gold; Aph. 111. And among Minerals there is none found which can perfect the colour of pale Gold, and facilitate its Flux, and render it more penetrating, but Antimony only. Aph. 112. Therefore that appeareth to be the only Mineral, of which, and by which, the said Mercury may be obtained. Aph. 113. For, seeing that Antimony cannot communicate more Tincture to Gold, than the natural perfection of Gold requireth, Aph. 114. And Gold, as hath been already said, aught to be more perfectly Tinged by the Mercury of Philosophers. Aph. 115. This Mercury cannot be had of Antimony alone; Aph. 116. But by it, as a Medium, from other imperfect Metallick Bodies, which abound with the Tincture of Gold; Aph. 117. Of which sort there are found only two, to wit, Mars and Venus. Aph. 118. Whence we conclude, That of Antimony, and by its help, of Mars also, and Venus, our Royal Menstruum is to be elicited, by the work of Art and Nature. Aph. 119. Antimony, Mars and Venus, consist of Sulphur and Mercury. Aph. 120. Sulphur, as we have said, is averse to the Nature of Gold, by reason of its unctuosity, adustive and impure terrestreity. Aph. 121. Wherefore the said matter of our Menstruum, before all things, is to be purged from its combustible Sulphur, Aph. 122. That only its Mercury may serve for our intention. Aph. 123. This Mercury, without further Preparation, being projected upon Gold, doth not adhere to it with profit, but like other Mineral Spirits flieth the force of the Fire, and leaveth the Gold unaltered, and unclean, or carrieth it up with itself, Aph. 124. By reason of its earthy, feculent and fugitive aquosity, which is yet in it. Aph. 125. Therefore, that of this Mercury, the Mercury of Philosophers, may be made, which can unite itself with Gold, and render it more that perfect; it is altogether necessary, that it should be depurated, and freed from its Feces. Aph. 126. No natural Compound can be perfectly purged without its dissolution. Aph. 127. And every Dissolution of a natural Compound, is terminated in the moisture of which it was made. Aph. 128. Therefore, seeing that ●he matter of our Menstruum is Me●allick; Aph. 129. And therefore, as is manifest above, ariseth from an unctuous and viscous humidity. Aph. 130. It is required for its perfect Purgation, that it be resolved into such an unctuous and viscous humidity. Aph. 131. This dissolution of the matter, requireth its previous Calcination. Aph. 132. For seeing that naturally not dry thing is dissolved into a moist, except Salt, or that which by the force of fire hath contracted the like nature. Aph. 133. Our matter is first to be calcined, that it may be rendered fit for solution. Aph. 134. The total Dissolution of no dry Body already dissolved into a Liquor, can be perfected, or a disunion of its Essential parts be made, ●●thout its putrefaction. Aph. 135. Wherefore this aught to be done to the matter of our Menstruum, for its complete Depuration, equally as to Gold, for its plusquam perfection; as we have said above. Aph. 136. But every moist bod● is corrupted and putrified in a light or gentle heat. Aph. 137. Hence our matter being resolved into a moist, viscous, an● unctuous Substance, is to be farther promoted and disjoined by digestion▪ Aph. 138. That the subtle part● may be elevated from the gross, an● the Pure from the Impure, by Sublimation. Aph. 139. For the perfecting thos● Operations, Nature affordeth us only two Mediums, viz. Fire and Water. Aph. 140. The Combustible an● Volatile parts are separated by Fire Aph. 141. But the Earthy and Feculent by Water. Aph. 142. In the said Phylosophic● Sublimation of the Mercury, and it● union with Gold, by various Solutions and Coagulations, the Practice of Alchemy consisteth; Aph. 143. That thence may result 〈◊〉 Catholic Medicine, most potent in perfecting the imperfect Metals, and in restoring of all diseasy bodies whatsoever. Aph. 144. Which Medicine is commonly called the Stone of Philosophers, because it resisteth the Fire. Aph. 145. And for other reasons it is also called by other various Names. Aph. 146. From the Premises, the Chemical Excellency is rightly defined, to consist of Metallick Principles, exalted by various Phylosophick Solutions and Coagulations, unto the highest degree of Perfection. Aph. 147. For seeing that Nature alone in the Mineral Kingdom, proceedeth no further than the perfection of common Gold, Aph. 148. It is to be assisted by Art, that it may render it more than perfect. Aph. 149. Therefore the Practice of Alchemy in general consisteth of two Operations; to wit, the preparation of the Mercury of Philosophers; and the Composition of the Elixir or Medicine. Aph. 150. Which although the are not very difficult, Aph. 151. Nevertheless, they ar● not always without their perils an● ill success. Aph. 152. Not to be avoided, bu● by Industry, and an expert, courageous and prudent Artist. Aph. 153. Nor do the said Operations require any great Charge o● Cost, To the Lovers of Hermetick Studies. ALL the Books of Philosophers, which treat of the abstruse Hermetick Medicine, are nothing but a Spagyrical Labyrinth, in which, for the most part, the Disciples of Art fall into various Ambages and Deceits; so that even to this day, there are but very few who have found a true end. For if in this Labyrinth some easy Way hath showed itself to the Erring and Straying, which seemed to extricate and lead them out, presently some impassable corners have occurred, which keep them in a perpetual Imprisonment. So, if in the Writings of Philosophers, manifest and easy Ways sometimes offer themselves, which at the ●irst sight seem to the Searchers to be plain according to the Letter, presently unwary Operators, being deceived by the open ●ords of Philosophers, are involved in ●nnumerable Deceits. To this may be added, That many Pseudochymists deceive many by their specious Fraud's an● Cheats, dispersing and selling up an● down lying Operations and Processes, i● which they promise Golden Mountains 〈◊〉 the Credulous; sowing Tares and bidding them expect Wheat. Wherefore I being moved with Compassion, have here offer●● these Rules, which are full of Physics Reasons and Truth; in which you ha●● the whole Art perspicuously depicted, as 〈◊〉 a Writing-Table. Examine and wei●● them throughly, fence your Opinion w● firm arguments, and then you cannot e●● For he that without judgement believe● every Sophism, is willing to be deceived. 〈◊〉 The true Art is hidden under many Co●rings, by which the unwary are easily c●founded. Therefore, before you begin 〈◊〉 work, weigh well, and prudently consi●● the natural Causes of things; or else●ter not upon the matter. It is better 〈◊〉 employ your time in diligent Meditat●● and profound Judgement, than to under 〈◊〉 the Punishment of a foolish and incons●rate Temerity.— Farewell. B. D. P. Some Phylosophick Rules or Canons, concerning the Stone of Philosophers. What we seek, is either here, or no where. Canon I. THat which is nearest to Perfection, is the more easily brought to Perfection. 2. Things Imperfect cannot by any Art put on Perfection, except they be first purged from their feculent Sulphur and earthy Grossness, which is mixed with their Sulphur and Mercury; the which a perfect Medicine performeth. 3. To render the Imperfect fixed, without the Spirit and Sulphur of the Perfect, is altogether impossible. 4. The Heaven of Philosophers resolveth all the Metals into their first matter; that is, into Mercury. 5. He that endeavoureth to reduce Metals into Mercury, without the Philosophic Heaven, or Metallick Aquavitae, or their Tartar, will be greatly mistaken, because the Impurity abounding in Mercury, from other Dissolutions, is even discernible by the Eye. 6. Nothing is perfectly fixed, which cannot be inseparably joined with that which is fixed. 7. Fusible Gold may be change● and turned into Blood. 8. To render Silver fixed, it is neither to be resolved into Powder, o● Water, for that is radically to destroy it; but it ought necessarily to be reduced into Mercury. 9 Luna cannot be transmuted into Sol, except it return into running Mercury (but by the physical Tincture) the same is to be judged o● the other Metals. 10. The imperfect Bodies together with Luna are brought to perfection, and converted into pure Gold, if they be first reduced into Mercury; and that by a white or red Sulphur, by the virtue of an appropriate Fire. 11. Every imperfect Body is brought to perfection by its reduction into Mercury; and afterwards, by decocting with Sulphurs in an appropriate Fire: For of those are generated Gold and Silver; and they are deceived, and labour in vain, who endeavour to make Gold and Silver after another manner. 12. The Sulphur of Mars is the best, which being joined to the Sulphur of Gold, bringeth forth a certain Medicine. 13. No Gold is generated, but what was first Silver. 14. Nature compoundeth and cocteth her Minerals by a gradual process; and so from one Root only procreateth all the Metals, even to the Ultimate end of Metals, which is Gold. 15. Mercury corrupteth Gold, resolveth it into Mercury, and maketh it volatile. 16. The Stone is compounded of Sulphur and Mercury. 17. If the preparation of Mercuries be not taught by some skilful Artist, it is not to be learned by the reading of Books. 18. The preparation of Mercury for the Philosophic Menstruum, is called Mortification. 19 The Praxis of this great Work exceedeth the highest Arcanum of Nature; and except it be showed by Divine Revelation, or the Work itself, by an Artist, it is never obtained from Books. 20. Sulphur & Mercury are the matter of the Stone: therefore the knowledge of Mercuries is necessary, that a good Mercury may be taken, by which the Stone may be the sooner perfected. 21. Indeed there is a certain mercury hidden in every Body, being fitted without other preparation; but the Art of Extracting it is very difficult. 22. Mercury cannot be converted into Sol or Luna, and fixed, but by a Compendium of the Abreviation of ●he great Work. 23. To congeal, to fix, is one Work; of one thing only, in one Vessel. 24. That which congealeth and fixeth Mercury, that also tingeth the same, in one and the same praxis. 25. The degrees of Fire to be observed in the Work, are four: In the first, the Mercury dissolveth its own Body; in the second, the Sulphur drieth up the Mercury; in the third and fourth, the Mercury is fixed. 26. The matters being radically permixed in their profundity, through their most minute parts, are afterwards made inseparable, as Snow mixed with Water. 27. Divers Simples being put into putrefaction, produce divers others. 28. It is necessary, that the form and the matter be of the same Species. 29. An homogeneous Sulphur is of the same Mercurial nature, which produceth Gold and Silver; and this pure Sulphur is gold and silver, although not discernible by the Eye in that form, but inasmuch as it i● dissolved into Mercury. 30. There may be a certain fixed Unctuosity extracted from gold, with out a Phylosophick Dissolution of the Gold into Mercury, which serveth instead of a ferment generating Sol and Luna; and that is performed by way of abreviating the Work, which Geber calleth Rebis. 31. The metals being resolved into Mercury, are again reduced into a body, a small quantity of the Ferment being admixed, otherwise they always retain the form of Mercury. 32. The Heaven or Tartar of Philosophers, which reduceth all the metals into Mercury, is the metalline Aquavitae of Philosophers, which ●hey also call their dissolute Feces. 33. Sulphur and Mercury consist ●n the same homogeneous nature. 34. The Stone of Philosophers is ●othing but gold and silver, endowed ●ith an Excellency and more than perfect Tincture. 35. Sol and Luna, in their own ●roper species, have no more than that is sufficient for themselves, ●hich it behoveth to reduce into the ●ature and power of a Ferment, by preparation, and to digest, whereby ●he mass may be multiplied. 36. The chief Extremities in Mer●ury are two, viz. too much Crudity, and too exquisite a Decoction. The words in the Original are nimis exquisita; but the word nimis, I ●udge, should have been minus; foras●huch as that agrees well with Crudity, no Crude subjected being well decocted.] 37. Philosophers observe this for a maxim; that every dry thing whatsoever quickly drinketh up a moisture of its own species. 38. The Calx of Luna being altered, hastily drinketh up its own Mercury; the Philosophers Foundation of Minerals. 39 Sulphur is the Anima, but Mercury the matter. 40. Mercury is stayed or detained by the Sulphur of imperfect Bodies and is coagulated into an imperfect Body, and passeth into the same metallic species of the imperfect Body by whose sulphur it was congealed and concreted. 41. To make Sol and Luna of the imperfect bodies, by sulphur, is altogether impossible; for nothing ca● give or afford more than it hath. 42. The Mercury of all the Metals is their Feminine seed, and their Menstruum, being brought so far by the Art of a good Operator: For by the projection of the great Work, it receiveth and passeth through the qualities of all the Metals, even unto Gold. 43. That a red Tincture may be elicited, the Mercury is to be animated with the Ferment of Sol only; but for the white, with the Ferment of Luna only. 44. The Work of Philosophers is perfected by a very easy Labour, and performed without great Costs, and that at any time, and in any place whatsoever, and by all men, provided they have the true and sufficient matter. 45. The Sulphurs of Sol and Luna stay or retain the spirits of their own species. 46. Sol and Luna are the true sulphurs, sperms, or Masculine seeds of the Stone. 47. Every thing which hath a power of retaining and fixing, ought necessarily to be stable and permanent. 48. The Tincture which giveth perfection to the imperfect Metals, floweth from the Fountain of Sol and Luna. 49. Whosoever take the Sulphur of Venus, are deceived. 50. There is nothing given to Venus by Nature, which is necessary to the great Spagyric Work, or that can serve for the making of Sol and Luna. 51. Note, that Gold converted into Mercury, before its Conjunction with the Menstruum, can be neither Anima, nor Ferment, nor Sulphur, nor doth it any way profit. 52. The Work being brought to the end, may be rendered fiery, by Reiteration. 53. In the Abreviation of the Work, the perfect bodies ought to be reduced into running Mercury, and a dry Water, whereby they may rightly receive a Ferment. 54. The Preparation of Mercury, which is performed by sublimation, (being adhibited after revification) ●s better than that which is done by Amalgamation. 55. The Anima cannot impress ●he form, except the spirit Intervene, which is nothing else but the Sol tur●ed into Mercury. 56. Mercury receiveth the form ●f Gold by the mediation of the Spirit. 57 Sol being resolved into Mer●ury, is the spirit and anima. 58. The Sulphur and Tincture of philosophers' design one and the same ●erment. 59 The Mercury of the vulgar is ●endred equal to all the Mercuries of bodies, and cometh very near to their ●●keness and nature. 60. A Ferment rendereth Mercury ●ore ponderous. 61. If the common Mercury be not animated, or wanteth an anima, it affords nothing of moment, either to ●he universal or particular Work. 62. Mercury being rightly mortified, is then impressed with an anima. 63. Sol may be prepared into a Ferment, so that one part may animate ten parts of common Mercury; but this Work hath no end. 64. The Mercury of the imperfect bodies stand in a medium between the common Mercury, and the Mercury of the perfect bodies; but the Art of extracting it, is very difficult. 65. Seeing that the common Mercury, by projection of the Stone, is changed into Sol or Luna, therefore it may ascend higher, be exalted, and rendered equal to all the Mercuries of bodies. 66. Common Mercury animated, is a very great Arcanum. 67. The Mercuries of all Bodies are changed into Gold or Silver, by an Abreviation of the Work. 68 A moist and gentle heat is called by the Name of the Egyptian Fire. 69. It is worthy to be noted, that Luna is not the mother of common silver, but a certain Mercury, endowed with the quality of the Celestial Luna. 70. Metallick Luna is of a masculine nature. 71. The Mercury of the vulgar, through coldness, putteth on the nature of a barren Woman. 72. The Mercuries of Semiminerals resemble the nature of Luna in likeness. 73. All things whatsoever are produced of Sol and Luna; to wit, of two substances, 74. Male and Female; that is, Sol and Mercury grow together into one 75. Common Mercury without Preparation, is remote from the Work. 76. Four of Mercury, and one of Sol; that is, of the ferment, Constitute a true matrimony of male and female. 77. The Solution is performed, when the Sol is resolved into Mercury. 78. Without Putrefaction no Solution is perfected. 79. Putrefaction endureth, and extendeth itself even to whiteness. 80. The great Secret is the mundification of the Spirit, whereby the Menstruum is prepared, for by it the Gold is resolved. 81. Mercury resolveth Gold into a Water of its own form; that is, into a running Mercury, as itself is. 82. Dissolution is the beginning of Congelation. 83. Sol being converted into a running Mercury, remaineth in the same form for a little time. 84. The Ferment drieth up the Mercury, and rendereth it more ponderous, retaineth and fixeth it. 85. The Solemnising of Philosophers is called their Fountain. 86. The matter is converted by the power of Putrefaction, into a Pultis or Lute, which is the beginning of Coagulation. 87. There is a certain Compendious way, by which the Sulphur is ●aken from Sol and Luna, whereby ●very Mercury may be fixed into gold and silver. 88 The matter ought never to be removed from the fire, nor suffered ●o cool, otherwise the work will be destroyed. 89. When the matter attaineth ●he colour of blackness, than it is necessary to give the second degree of ●●re. 90. The lotion or washing of Philosopher's, is a similitude; for the fire ●lone performeth and perfecteth all ●hings. 91. The Venom and Fetor is taken away, without the addition of any thing, by the force of the Fire, which alone performeth all things. 92. The Fire, by its acute and penetrating Virtue, purgeth and cleanseth an hundred times more than any water whatsoever. 93. In the generation and vegetation of any thing whatsoever, the heat being extinct, death presently invadeth the growing matter. 94. The Spirit is heat. 95. The matter being brought to whiteness, cannot be corrupted and destroyed. 96. Every Corruption of matter is impressed with a deadly Venom. 97. The Glass or Vessel is called the Mother. 98. The virtue of Sulphur is not extensive beyond the term or limit of a certain proportion, neither can it exceed unto an infinite weight. 99 This question is to be observed, Wherefore the Philosophers call their Menstruum the matter of the stone? 100 Sulphur meriteth the name of the form, but the Menstruum, of the matter. 101. The Menstruum representeth the lesser and lower Elements, viz. Of Earth and Water; but Sulphur ●●e two superiors, to wit, Fire and ●●ir, as a masculine Agent. 102. If you should break and Eggshell, so that the Chicken should come ●●t, it could never be hatched, nor ●ome to perfection: In like manner, 〈◊〉 you open the Vessel, and the mat●●r shall feel the Air, you can perform nothing. 103. The Calcination which is ●ade with Mercury, in a Furnace of reverberation, is better than others. 104. The Philosophers manners 〈◊〉 speaking are studiously to be noted, ●●r by sublimation they understand ●●e dissolutions of Bodies into Mer●●ry by the first degree of Fire; the ●●cond Operation followeth, which is ●●e Inspissation of the Mercury with ●he Sulphur; the third is the Fixation of the Mercury into a perfect ●nd absolute body. 105. The number of those which ●rr, is infinite, who do not allow Mercury as it is in its own form, and amalgamated with the Calx of the perfect bodies, to be the subject and matter of the stone. 106. The white Medicine is brought to perfection in the third degree of Fire; and this degree is not to be exceeded in the preparation of the white Medicine; for if you do otherwise, you will destroy the wor● for the white. 107. The fourth degree of Fire bringeth forth the matter Red, where appeareth also divers colours. 108. The work after it hath attained the degree of whiteness, no● being carried on to a perfect redness, remaineth imperfect, not only for the white, but also for the red Tincture; therefore it is left dead till i● endeth in a perfect redness. 109. After the fifth degree of Fire to perfect it, the matter acquireth new Virtues. 110. The Work hath not attained perfection, except the Medicine shall be incerated, and rendered fusible, like Wax. 111. The Work of Inceration is perfected by a double or triple quantity of Mercury, to that which gave ●he Stone its Original. 112. The Inceration of the white Medicine is performed by the white ●ater, without the animation of the Mercury by Luna, but the Inceration ●f the red Tincture is done with Mer●ury animated with Sol. 113. It sufficeth, that the matter ●fter Inceration remain like a Pultis ●r Paste. 114. Repeat the Inceration till it will bear a perfect Proof. 115. If the Mercury with which ●he Medicine is incerated, being con●erted into Fume, shall fly away, it ●vaileth nothing; wherefore do not manage it ill, for the matter by that means will go backward. 116. The medicine being rightly ●ncerated, will explain to thee that Enigma, of the King returning from the Fountain. 117. Sol being reduced into his first Water or Mercury, if he shal● be refrigerated or cooled by the help of common Mercury, the work perisheth. 118. Philosophers take the matter prepared and cocted by Nature and reduce it into its Prima materia; forasmuch as every thing returneth into that from which it hath its Original, even as snow is resolved inseparably in water. 119. The wise men reduce year● into months, months into weeks, and weeks into days. 120. The first decoction of Mercury which Nature performeth, i● the only Cause of its own singl● perfection, beyond which it canno● ascend of itself; for it behoveth to help its simplicity, by sowing ou● Gold in its proper Earth, which i● nothing else but a pure Mercury which Nature hath a little, but no● perfectly digested. 121. But in the second decoction of Mercury, besides the first of Nature, the virtue of the Mercury is multiplied tenfold. 122. And the Stone is made of Mercury by reiterating the Decoction, Sol being admixed, for by this means the male as well as the female are twice decocted. 123. Sol ought to be put to Mercury, that he may be dissolved into Sulphur, and then cocted into the stone of Philosophers. 124. Every Philosopher in all times contemplated Mercury, when nevertheless he neither knew nor understood it. 125. Every Mercury of whatsoever Original, being rightly taken in a due manner, exhibiteth the matter of the stone. 126. Every thing from which Mercury may be elicited, is the subject of the Phylosophick medicine. 127. Whosoever taketh or understandeth the writings of Philosophers, according to the Letter, is grievously deceived, when they affirm their Mercury to be one. 128. One Mercury exceedeth another, in a greater heat, dryness, decoction, purity and perfection, which ought to be prepared without the corruption and loss of its form, and to be purged from all its superfluities, in which the treasure and secret of the stone consisteth. 129. If the preparation of common Mercury were known to the studious of Philosophy, Nota bene. they would have no need to search after any other Mercury of Philosophers, nor another metallic and mercurial Aquavitae, nor another Water of the stone; because the preparation of vulgar Mercury containeth all those things in itself. 130. Every Mercury of Metals and Minerals may by successive degrees be cocted and exalted unto the quality of the Mercuries of all the other bodies, even to a solar body, and thence be deduced to the degree and virtue of what metallic body you please. 131. Common Mercury before a Legitimate Preparation, is not the Mercury of Philosophers, but after preparation, it is called by the name of the Mercury of Philosophers; containing in itself the true way and method of extracting the Mercury from the other Metals: And it is the beginning of the greater Work. 132. Common Mercury being prepared, is taken for a metallic Aquavitae. 133. The passive Mercury and Menstruum ought by no means to lose the External form of Mercury. 134. Whosoever useth sublimate, or calcined, or precipitated Powder, instead of running Mercury, (for the Completing the Work of Philosophers) erreth, and is wholly deceived. 135. Whosoever resolveth Mercury into a clear water, for the perfecting of the Phylosophick Work, erreth grievously. 136. To compose or make Mercury of a Limpid water, is in the power of none but Nature. 137. In the great Physical Work, it is necessarily required, that the crude Mercury should resolve the Gold into Mercury. 138. If the Mercury be reduced into water, it dissolveth the Gold into water: And in the work of the Stone it is highly necessary, that the Gold should be dissolved into Mercury. 139. The Sperm and the Menstruum ought to have the same external form. 140. It is the Doctrine of Philosophers, that it is necessary for us to irritate or stir up Nature; therefore if the Menstruum be dry, it will be in vain to hope for a Solution. 141. The seed of the Stone ought to be taken in a form like and near to the metals, and which cometh very near to metals. 142. It is highly necessary to take a seed of the Phylosophick Medicine, which resembleth common Mercury. 143. It is the secret of all secrets, to know the Mercury and matter to be the Menstruum of the Stone, and the Mercury of the perfect Bodies to be the form. 144. Mercury by itself only, affords nothing of moment to generation. 145. Mercury is the Element of Earth, in which the Grain of Gold ought to be sowed. 146. The seed of Gold is not only put into a multiplication of its quantity, but also of its virtue. 147. A perfect Mercury requireth a female for the work of generation. 148. Every Mercury ariseth from and partaketh of two Elements; the crude of Water and Earth, that which is concocted of Fire and Air. 149. If any man would prepare and exalt Mercury into a Metal, let him add a little Ferment to it, that it may be exalted to such a metallic degree as he would have it. 150. The great Arcanum of the whole Work is the Physical Dissolution into Mercury, and reduction into the first matter. 151. The Dissolution of Sol ought to be perfected by Nature, not by the work of the Hands. 152. When Sol is conjoined or married to its Mercury, it will be in the form of Sol, but the greater Preparation will be in the Calx. 153. It is a Question among the Wise, Whether the Mercury of Luna, being conjoined with the Mercury of Sol, may be taken instead of the Phylosophick Menstruum. 154. The Mercury of Luna is of a masculine nature, but two males can no more generate than two females. 155. The Elixir consisteth in this, that it be elicited and chosen from a most pure Mercury. 156. He that desireth to operate, let him work in the Solution and Sublimation of the two Luminaries. 157. Gold giveth a golden colour; Silver a Silver colour; but he that knoweth how to tinge Mercury with Sol or Luna, hath arrived to a great Arcanum. FINIS. HEre thou hast (friendly Reader) those Phylosophick Canons, without which, whosoever thou art, thou wilt hardly attain thy wished End: If thou receive these Hermetick Fundamentals with a grateful mind, and exercise thyself in this Theory with a pious Meditation, time may hereafter bring forth the Praxis of those Rules, not that imperfect or maimed one, which I have showed to some, but Entire and Complete, confirmed by many Arguments, and solid Reasons. In the mean time, Farewell. POSTSCRIPT TO THE READER. WHereas I have Lately published Proposals for the Printing of all the Works of that indefatigable and highly-experienced Chemist, Glauber, in one entire Folio. And, whereas there are divers of his Treatises in the Germane Tongue, which never were printed in Latin, which I had not by me at the time of publishing the said Proposals and Specimen; so that I could not insert their Title Pages in the Specimen, as I did of the rest. Now, having obtained the said Germane Treatises, and procured them to be translated by a fit and able Hand, I have thought good (having this opportunity) to insert them at the end of this little Book; First, that all the Lovers of Chemistry may know what to expect more than the 44 Treatises, whose Titles are in the Specimen; and secondly, forasmuch as Glauber wrote those last in his later days, when he had arrived to a great Experience of Things, and was willing to be more Open and Plain than in his former Writings; those Last Pieces of his seem to be of another strain, and to teach many things very openly, which the Adepts have either wholly concealed, or at the least have delivered so abstrusely, that very few have been able to understand them; So that, if I mistake not, that Theory of the Hermetick Medicine, which is contained in the 153 Aphorisms very regularly, though concisely, may, without much difficulty, be put into Practice by the assistance of some of the following Treatises. That Glauber before his death was Master of some Phylosophick secrets, I verily believe by his manner of Writing; and himself professeth in one of his last Writings, speaking concerning the secret Fire of Artephius, That he could now, sitting still in his Chamber, do more with an Eggshell, than heretofore with all his Furnaces and Glasses. But, to detain the Reader no longer, the Treatises I speak of are entitled as followeth. I. The Third Century, Containing the Discovery of many Chemical Secrets. II. The Fourth Century, Shows 1. How to extract Gold out of Granats. 2. To make the Mercury of Wine. 3. To make the Mercury of Metals. What the Anima of the greater and lesser World is. That all superfluous Egestions of Nature, afford a volatile Salt. To separate Gold from Silver on a Cupel. A Tincture out of Metals. The Tincture of Gold and Sulphur. To make Gold red. A Cement to graduate ♀ into ☉. To dulcify all Corrosives. Sal Mirabile, or a sweet graduating Spirit, useful for the exalting of Metals. The Phylosophick Work. Sulphur, the father of all Metals. The Universal Coagulater is a Sulphur. Demagorgon is the Grandfather of all things. The Vital Spirit and Radical moisture is the Life and Growth of all men. III. The Fifth Century Sheweth the greatest Particular, and the cheapest Universal. iv Of Elias the Artist. Or who this Elias the Artist is, and what he is to reform or amend in the World when he comes, viz. The true Spagyric Medicine of the ancient Egyptian Philosophers, which hath been lost for a Thousand years, and which he will again restore, renew the same, and gloriously illustrate it with many New Inventions, lay aside much smoky working, and show to the present erring World a nearer and better way, by which with more ease and less Charges than hitherto, good Medicines may be obtained. V The Second Appendix to the Seventh part of the Pharmacop. Spagyrica. In which is handled the further Use of the Secret Sal-Armoniack, for the meliorating of the meaner Metals, and especially of the profitable extracting or separating of Gold out of Silver and Tin; with an Information subjoined, how by the means of the mercurial Water of Tin, the Tinctures may be extracted in quantity not only from Gold, but also from Mars and Venus; and precious as well as Common stones; and that, as it were, in a moment, without Fire or Charges. VI The Third Appendix to the Seventh part of the Pharmacop. Spagyrica. In which is treated of the yet-further Use of our Wonder-working Alcahest, or most secret Sal-Armoniack, and in particular, how the Tinctures may be extracted out of Sol, Mars, and Venus, and out of all Precious and Common Stones; and how the said Colours may again be introduced into other white Metals and Stones, in order to colour the same permanently, and meliorate them. VII. Of the Animal Stone. Wherein is demonstrated, That there is a Mineral Virtue hid in all things, and particularly in all Animals whatsoever, but most of all in man; and that consequently the stone of Philosophers may be prepared of them. To which is added, the way of fixing Mercury by means of the natural superfluities and Excrements of Animals, in order to the obtaining a true Philosophical Tincture. VIII. Of the Three Secret Fire-Stones. Or, the three most Noble stones generated by three secret Fires. And, First, Of the Stone of Philosophers, which is prepared by the secrot Fire of the Wise. Secondly, The upper and lower Thunder-stone, how they are generated above by the Meteorological Fire, and below by the secret Artificial Fire. And, Thirdly, How the Lapis Ignis, or Firestone of Basil-Valentine, is to be prepared out of Antimony by Art And how those three most Noble Stones of the World are to be used in Medicine and Alchy my. IX. The Purgatory of Philosophers. Or, A Treatise concerning the Purifying Fire of the wise men; with which the Philosophers cleanse their Mineral, Vegetable, and Animal subjects, and exalt them to the highest degree of Purity, in order to prepare Universal Medicaments from them, for the Bodies of Men & Metals. Which Purgatory Fire is called by the ancient Philosophers Ysopaica, that is to say, the Art of washing by Fire. Together with a subjoined instruction, how by means of the Salt of the World, out of all Metals and Minerals, a living Mercury may be prepared in quantity. X. Of the Secret Fire of Philosophers. By which they not only brought to maturity their Universal Medicine, but also fixed particularly all the Inferior Metals, into good Gold and Silver, with great profit. XI. A short Exposition upon the Hellish Goddess Proserpina, the Wife of Pluto, viz. What the Heathenish Phylosophick Poets, as Ovid and Virgil, etc. understood thereby. And how by the help of this Proserpina, the Animae or souls of the mortified metallic Bodies are carried out of the Chemical Hell into the Phylosophick Heaven. These are the Treatises of which I could not give a particular Account in the Specimen, and which being added to those there exhibited, make in all 55 Treatises, which will amount to a large Volume in Folio, in which are also many Cutts; which is all ready for the Press, and wants nothing but a sufficient number of Subscribers to give it Breath in the English Air. I have spared neither Pains nor Cost to serve my Country in this Work; and I hope there will not be wanting so many Generous Souls, who will concur with me (by subscribing to it) to render it effectual. The Terms of Subscription are as followeth. THat whosoever shall pay to Christopher Pack, at the sign of the Globe in the Postern-street, near Moorgate; or to William Cooper, at the Pelican in Little-Britain, Bookseller; or to Dorman Newman at the Kings-Arms in the Poultry, Bookseller; the sum of Twenty shillings, in manner following, shall have one Complete Book in Quires, viz. Ten shillings in hand, and Ten shillings more upon the delivery of the said Book, which is intended to be published in Trinity-Term next. And for the Encouragement of those who shall subscribe for six Books, they shall have one Book, when printed, presented them Gratis. The Specimen may be had at any of the three places , as also of divers Booksellers in and about London. Advertisement. MYographia Nova sive Musculorum omnium (in Corpore Humano hactenus repertorum) accuratissima Descriptio, in sex Proelectiones Distributa. Nomina singulorum in suo quaeque Loco, situque Naturali, in Aeneis Musculorum Iconibus exarantur: Eorum item Origines, Insertiones, & usus, Graphice describuntur, additis insuper ipsius Authoris, & aliorum Nuperrimis Observationibus & Inventis. Opera & studio Joannis Browne, Serenissimi Caroli secundi, Britanniarum Regis, nec-non Nosocomii Regalis, quod est ad D. Thomae, Chirurgi Ordinarii.