The Third Part: OF Philosophical Furnaces
In which is described the Nature of the Third Furnace; by the help whereof, and that without Stills, and Caldrons, and other Copper, Iron, Tin, and Leaden Instruments, various Vegetable burning Spirits, Extracts, Oyls, Salts, =&c.= by the help of a certain little Copper Instrument, and Wooden Vessels are made for Chymical and Medicinal Uses.
A Preface of the Copper Instrument and Furnace.
Now this Instrument is made of strong Copper plates after the following manner. You must make two strong hemispheares of Copper or Latten of the bigness of a mans head (or thereabout) and join them together with a most strong soder, and that without tin, whereof the one must have a pipe: Now the pipe must be of a most exact roundness, that it may most accurately fit the hole that is made with an auger or wimble to keep the water from flowing out like to a tap, of the length of one span at least, wider on the hinder part towards the globe, than on the forepart, which also must be according to the bigness of the globe, greater or lesser, and be exactly joined with the best soder to its hemisphear, and the diameter of the forepart being very round like a tap, and most exactly filling the round hole must be of two fingers breath. Now there is required to the foresaid instrument or globe, a certain peculiar little furnace made of iron or copper, =viz.= most strong copper plates, covered within with stones or the best lute, into which is put that globe like a retort, so that it may ly upon two iron bars of the distance of a span, or span and half from the grate; the neck whereof (that pipe) goeth forth of the furnace one span at least. The furnace also must have below a place for the ashes, and above a cover with its hole for the letting forth of the smoke, and for regulating the fire, as you may see by the annexed figure. It must also below have a treefoot, on which the furnace must be set, and on the sides two handles by the help whereof it may be removed from place to place; the which is very necessary; for it is not only used for the distilling of burning spirits by wooden Vessels instead of copper, but also for such distillation, and digestion that is performed in gourds, bolt-heads, and other instruments of glass, stone, copper, tin, =&c.= which are to be set in Balneo: also in the boyling of beer, metheglin, wine, and other drinks, which are to be performed by the help of wooden Vessels.
Of Wooden Instruments that are to be used instead of Stills, Baths, and Cauldrons.
In the first Figure, A represents the Furnace with a Copper Globe. B. The Copper Globe. C. The distilling Vessel. D. The Refrigeratory with a Worm. E. The Receiver. F. Stools on which the Vessels stand. The Second, A Balneum with a Cover having Holes in it for the Glasses, set upon a Tree-foot.
The Third, A Wooden Vessel for the making of Beer. The Fourth, A Tub for a moist Bath, which is to be warmed by the Copper Globe. The Fifth, A wooden Box for a dry Bath to provoke sweat with Volatile Spirits.
In the first place I shall speak of wooden Vessels that are to be used instead of Copper stills, in the distilling of burning spirits out of wine, beer, lees, malt, wheat, meal, roots, hearbs, flowers, seeds, and other vegetables, as also oyls of vegetables.
See that thou hast an oken barrel, like to those wherein wine and beer are kept, of a just bigness, viz. answerable to the bigness of the globe, as is sufficient for the coction: for a barrel that is too big will make the coction slow, and tedious. A greater globe may be fitted to a lesser barrel, but not on the contrary, a great barrel to a little globe: For by how much the bigger the globe is, and the less the barrel, so much the sooner is the work hastned. Now seeing that this Art was invented for the saving of costs, which otherwise would have been expended in providing of stils, cauldrons, furnaces, &c. it is best not to have too great a globe, which requires a greater furnace, and is more hardly to be carryed, because it is to be covered within with lute, or a wall; for it is sufficient if it be big enough for the coction. Wherefore I will give you a just and due proportion of both, viz. of the globe, and vessel, which in distillations and other operations, the curteous reader may imitate.
A globe of the bigness of a mans head, containing three or four cannes, whereof each containeth four pints, is sufficient for the heating of a barrel of 30, 40, 50, 60. and 100 gallons, which by how much the more remote from 100 and nearer to 30, so much the sooner is it heated, and the coction furthered; and on the contrary, by how much the nearer it is to 100 and more remote from 30, so much the slower is the coction. I do not therefore advise that a huge barrel be chosen for a small globe, by reason of a long and tedious operation: And if all and every thing be not so accurately observed to a hair, yet it matters not much, because it sufficeth to do the same thing by the help of one small copper instrument of divers forms. For in this way of distilling, wooden vessels that are requisite to the distilling of spirits, and boyling of Bear, and for baths are more easily provided, then so many copper vessels in the common way. For by this means not only costs are spared, but also it is in stead of building of furnaces, because when any barrel hath been used, you may remove it, and set another in the place of it for another operation, the which cannot be done with stills and cauldrons fastened into a furnace. And this invention is for those that want Artificers, as Coppersmiths, &c. because wooden instruments are more easily provided: also by the help of this globe may most secret operations be performed.
For the furnace with the copper globe may be built in one place, and in another place the Balneum, viz. the places divided with a wall, so that he that looks to the fire may not know what is done in the Elaboratory; for oftentimes the care of the fire is committed to heedless servants, that break glass instruments by their carelesseness, by which means oftentimes a most pretious medicine is lost; which danger this invention is without.
Wherefore this copper globe with its wooden vessels is more convenient then those copper stills and cauldrons. But this I would have thee know that this new invented distillation is slower, then the common way which is performed by stills, and consequently requires a long fire. I desire therefore the rich that dwell in large and spacious houses, that they would use the old way of distilling; but the poor, who have but little houshold conveniences, and the covetous, that they would use this little copper globe with its wooden vessels: for although there be a longer fire required, yet these are not to be compared to those costs which are otherwise expended upon so many copper vessels of so many divers forms. Let him therefore keep to his copper vessels, who cannot understand me, for it concernes not me. Without doubt there are some whom this my new invented way of distilling will please, before other, being communicated for the sake of the poor labouring house-keepers, that cannot boyl Beer, and distill burning spirits for lack of vessels: for a globe of five or four pound is more easily provided, then other copper vessels of 60, 80, 100 pound: also those wooden vessels are more easily provided than furnaces, which some for want of place only cannot build. Choose therefore which way thou wilt, for these things which I have wrote, I have wrote for the poors sake rather than for the rich. Certainly rich men that have spacious Elaboratories need not to be ashamed to follow this way, for it is free for every man to go a shorter way, unless they had rather prefer the old way before a new and compendious, whom I cannot help, being contented with a publication which is made for the sake of my neighbour, whether it be taken well or ill, with a good minde, certainly knowing that more profit then disprofit may be obtained by the help thereof. It shall not therefore repent him of his labor, who knows rightly to prepare and use this copper, and wooden vessels.
There follows now the preparation of the vessel.
The vessel being made is to be placed with one bottom, upon a stool that is fitted for it, which being done, make a hole with a wimble neer the bottom, for the receiving of the neck of the copper globe, which is to be covered over with a linnen cloth: make also about the lower bottom another hole for a tap, by the help whereof the remainder of the distillation is drawn forth: also you must make a large hole in the upper bottom, the diameter whereof must be one span for to pour in the water to be distilled, with a funnel. Also there must be made a hole near the upper bottom of two or three fingers breadth, into which is to be put a copper pipe of a span long, which is to be fastened closely therein; and to this pipe another oaken vessel with a copper worm and cold water like to other refrigeratories, must be applyed. Also the joints of the aforesaid short pipe, viz. of the first barrel, and of the second barrel, viz. the refrigeratory must be straightly, and closely united together, which afterward may be the better joyned together with a fit lute for the distilling. And this is the form and fashion of the wooden vessel, that is to be used in the place of copper vessels, in the distilling of burning spirits and oyls. But thou wilt object that these kind of wooden vessels are porous, and drink up great part of the spirit and oyls.
I answer; none of the spirits seeketh a violent passage out, in case the ways be open. There is no danger therefore, when there is passage enough given them by a pipe that is wide enough. Neither doth oyl stick to them in distillation, for whatsoever is by force of the boyling water to be separated from the spices, and seeds that also is sublimable by the force of the seething water, so as to distill in, so that in the refrigeratory no more is lost than in the stills. Distillation being made, the aforesaid spirits may be rectified in these wooden vessels, (being first washed) as well as in copper stills.
_The making of a wooden vessel for a Balneum, which is to be used in stead of copper and leaden Cauldrons for digestion, and distillation by glass vessels._
Make an oaken vessel as big or as little as you please, according to the greatness, or littleness, multitude, or fewness of the vessels, of two or three spans high, a little narrower above then below, and so fashioned above, that a cover of wood, copper, or lead, may most closely be joyned to it: the cover must have holes greater or lesser, according to the glasses, as is wont to be in the making of a Balneum, as you may see by the annexed figure. This vessel also must be placed upon a stool of the height of an ell, or such height as is required for the joyning of the copper globe with the Balneum, which must have a hole near the lower bottom, for the receiving of the neck of the aforesaid globe. In defect of such a vessel, which yet you may provide easily enough, take a wine or bear vessel divided in the middle, and make a hole near the bottom for the neck of the globe, make also a wooden cover with holes, &c. He that will be curious may provide all things according to the best Art.
A wooden vessel serving for boyling of bear, metheglin, vinegar, =&c.= as well as copper, iron, and tin vessels.
Make a wooden vessel, which shall be more high than broad, a little wider above than below, as you please: or take a wine or bear barrel divided in the middle, and near the bottom make a hole for the neck of the globe, which is to be covered with boards, which serves as well for the boyling of bear, &c. as those of copper.
_A wooden vessel for a bath for sweet, or mineral water, which may be according as you please, kept warm, for the preserving of health._
Make a long wooden tub convenient to sit in, which is to be set upon a stool of a just height, viz. that the bottom of the vessel may answer the neck of the globe which is put into the furnace: you may also have a cover, that may cover the whole tub, which may be divided and united in that place where the head goes forth, as appears by the annexed figure, or you may cover it with a cloth, laying it upon small crooked sticks fastned to the tub, yet so that the head may have its liberty, especially in a vaporous bath of common sweet, or medicinal water; or make a high wooden cover shutting very close, for a dry sweat, where it is no matter whether the head be shut in or no.
_Of the use of wooden vessels in distilling, boyling, bathing, =&c.= And first of the distilling vessel._
He that will distill any burning spirit by help of the distilling vessel, out of wine, metheglin, bear, barley, wheat, meal, apples, pears, cherries, figs, &c. also out of flowers, seeds, and other vegetables, hath need so to prepare his materials, that they may yield their spirit. Where I thought it convenient, and indeed necessary to say something of the preparation of each vegetable, for better information sake, or else a profitable distillation is not to be expected, but labour in vain to be feared.
And first of the preparation of the lees of wine, bear, hydromel, and other drinks.
The lees of wine, bear, hydromel, &c. have no need to be prepared, because they do easily enough of themselves yield their spirit, unless haply having lost all their humidity they be dryed, which you may make moist again by the admixion of common water, lest they be burnt in distilling & stick to the vessel; of which thing more in the distillation it self. Now flowers, roots, hearbs, seeds, fruits, apples, pears, cannot be distilled without a foregoing preparation. You must therefore first prepare them, as followeth.
_Of the preparation of all kind of corn, as Wheat, Oats, Barly, =&c.= which must go before the distilling of the spirit._
And first of all a malt must be made of the corn, as it is wont to be in the making of bear. Now the manner of making of malt is known almost to all, wherefore I need not speak much of that, because in all places that have no wine, there is scarce any house found in which Malt and Bear is not made, as well in the country as cities. But however, there is a great deal of difference of making of it, for a long knife doth not make a good Cook, nor all drinkers of wine are good planters. For many have perswaded themselves, that, if they follow the footsteps of their fathers, they have done well (although they have been in an errour) and being scornful, refuse instruction. Wherefore something is to be said of the difference of malting. Although I never exercised the Art of making Beer, yet I am certain I do in that excel all other Distillers, and Brewers. For I often saw, and indeed with admiration, the simplicity of many in their operations, although common, and dayly, to whom though an age should be granted, yet they would never be more thrifty, being content with their ancient customes. Good God! How perverse is the world, where no body labours to find out any good, neither is there any one that thinks of perfecting, and amending things already found out: Where all things run to ruin, and all manner of vice increase: for now almost every one seeks only after riches by right or wrong; for it is all one with them, if they have them, not thinking that things ill gotten shall perish, and that the third heir shall not injoy them, and that unjust riches shall devour those that have been honestly gotten, with danger also of eternal damnation. I pray you, if our Ancestors had been so negligent, and had left nothing to us: I pray you, I say, what Arts and Sciences should we have had now? It is come to this pass now, that vertues decrease, and vices increase.
Of the difference of malting.
The difference of malt, by reason whereof it yields better or worse beer, and spirit, consists for the most part in the preparation thereof: for being made after the vulgar way it retains its tast, wherefore it cannot yield good spirit, nor good beer, which is observed of very few, wherefore they could not draw forth good spirit out of corn, but such as savours of the tast and smell of the malt. Which is not the fault of the corn, but of the artificer not operating aright in the preparation of his malt, in distilling and rectifying. For if it were prepared a right in all things, corn yields a very good spirit, not unlike to that which is made out of the lees of wine, in tast, odour, and other vertues. Which Art, although it be not known to all, yet it doth not follow that it is impossible: Now I did not say that it is that common way, whereby that spirit, which is like to the spirit of wine, is distilled, but another which is more subtil, and witty. Out of all vegetables is drawn a burning spirit, yet such as is perceived by some difference of the tast, and odour, but that is not the spirits faults, but of the vegetable, as of hearbs, seeds, corn, &c. communicating their vertues, tast, and odour to the spirit: whence that spirit deserves to be called not simple, but compounded, for else all the burning spirit (being rightly rectified from its flegm) is made out of any thing, having the same vertues with the spirit of wine, although it seem improbable to some. I do not deny that one simple may yield more or less sweet spirit than another. For sweeter wines yields sweeter spirits: Also clear wine yields a sweeter spirit than the lees of wine, although they come forth out of one and the same vessel: For clarified wine, and that which is separated from the fæces yields a sweeter spirit than the Lees, and impure and heterogeneal sediment, which corrupts the simple, and sweet spirit, with a strong tast and smell: so that that may deservedly, being as it were simple, be preferred before this which is accidentally corrupted. And this is to be understood of all other spirits. What hath hitherto been said, hath been spoken for the sakes of them, who have perswaded themselves that they could not perform chymical operations so well by the spirit of corn, as with the spirit of wine, for I never found any difference of them in the extraction of minerals or vegetables. Let him therefore that can, receive my opinion, and experience, seeing I will have nothing to do with contradicting Carpers: Without hurt to others I dare not reveal the Art of distilling a sweet spirit with great profit out of corn, in all things like to that which is made of the fæces of wine, viz. without the preparation or grinding of the malt, which shall haply be [* See Explicat. Mirac. Mundi] communicated elsewhere at some time or other. For this Book is not written for the publishing of secrets, but of a new invented distillation. But thou that wilt make a sweet burning spirit out of malt or honey; know this, that the corn must be brought after a certain peculiar manner into malt, and lose its ungrateful savour before its distilling, and fermenting, or else after the wonted manner a certain ungrateful spirit will be drawn from thence, that cannot be compared to the spirit of wine. The whole Art thereof consists in a true preparation; for ungrateful things are by Art brought into gratefulness, and on the contrary grateful things are made ungrateful by negligence. And thus much for information sake.
Of the fermentation of Malt.
Take of Malt ground in a Mill as much as you please, upon which in a wooden vessel set up right, pour cold water, as much as will moysten it, and serve for mixtion and comminution; then also pour as much warm water as will suffice for the making the mixture moist and thin, and also warm; for it must be neither hot nor cold: which being done mix with it some new barm, and cover it with a cloth, and in a short space, being exposed to heat, it will begin to ferment (wherefore the vessel is not to be filled to the top) and leave it so long in fermentation, until the mixture descends, which for the most part is wont to be done the third day, and the malt will be ready for distillation.
Of the fermentation of Honey.
Neither hath honey any need of a singular Art in its fermentation, because being mixed with 6, 7, 8, or 10. parts of warm water, it is dissolved, and unto the solution is added ferment, as has been spoken concerning malt, which afterward is left covered in some heat for to be fermented, being fit for distillation when it becomes to wax hot. Now know that too great a quantity of honey makes a very slow fermentation, viz. of some weeks and months; wherefore for acceleration sake, I advise that a greater quantity of water be added; although otherwise it yields plenty of spirits, but ungrateful, which therefore I advise nobody to distil as being unprofitable, unless any one know how to take away the [1]ungratefulness thereof.
[1] [See the Consolat. of Navigators.]
Of the preparation of Fruits, Seeds, Flowers, Herbs, Roots, &c.
The fruits of trees, as Cherries, Plumbs, Apples, Pears, Figs, Juniper-berries, Elder-berries, Dwarf-elder, and Mulberries, &c. are bruised in wooden vessels, with wooden pestils; and upon them being bruised, is poured warm water, and ferment added to quicken it, as hath been above said of malt. Seeds are broken in a mill; flowers, hearbs and roots, are cut small, and are stirred up to fermentation by mixing of warm water, and barm or yest.
An Annotation.
Before thou distil the aforesaid vegetables prepared by the help of fermentation, diligently weigh, and accurately observe whether the mixture be sufficiently fermented, for sometimes there is too much cold, or hot water put to it; sometimes the vessel is not well covered, by which means the cold air is let in, whence the fermentation is hindred, and consequently the distillation of the spirit: For by the help of fermentation the burning spirit of the vegetables is set at liberty, without which it cannot be done; also the distillation is hindred by too much hast, as well as by too much delay; for if you begin to distill before the time, viz. fermentation not being yet perfected, thou shalt have but few spirits; wherefore also the better part is, by many that are unskilful, cast to the swine, but without any great loss, if the matter were malt, because that swine are fed therewith; but not so if other vegetables were the matter of the distillation. Also too much slowness where the matter begins to be sowre before it be distilled, yields very few spirits, that which often happens, whilst hearbs, and flowers, &c. are out of ignorance left in fermentation 3, 4, 5. and more weeks, before they be distilled, for the greatest part of the spirit is then turned to vinegar, which would not be so very ill done, if so be these men knew how to clarifie the remainders, and turn it into vinegar, that nothing thereof might be lost; for the vinegars of hearbs, flowers, seeds, and roots are not to be contemned. And so often times (a thing to be lamented) the better part, if they be spices, and pretious things, is lost.
The matter of the distillation, and other choice things, as seeds and hearbs are cast away with loss; wherefore for admonition sake I was willing to add such things that the operators may have an opportunity to consider the matter a little more profoundly with themselves, or at least of learning the art of distilling from countrymen, who do not suffer their malt to putrefy, grow sower or mouldy, before they fall upon their distillations, but presently fermentation being made (the third or the fourth day) begin their distillation.
But some one will object, that my vegetable spirits are not pure by reason of the ferment that is mixed, having in it self a spirit. I answer, there is not so great a portion of the ferment mixed which can corrupt the vegetable spirit. For although some spoonfuls of ferment yielding but a few drops of spirits be added to a great quantity of the vegetables; yet there can come no hurt or detriment to so many quarts of the vegetable spirit. I have seen some supercilious men that would not add ferment to the matter of their spirit, but sugar or honey, by which they would promote fermentation, and so have thought to get a pure spirit, not considering that honey and sugar, after fermentation are made to yield their spirit also, whereof one spoonful yields more than ten or twenty of Barm: But hony and sugar fermenting not without difficulty themselves, how can they promote the fermentation of other things? Who also have had experience, that the addition of their ferment hath been superfluous, whilst their flowers and hearbs have stood some weeks in maceration, before they begun to ferment, and that often times they have contracted an acidity, mustiness and stink, the reason of which was an unsutable ferment. There are indeed the fruits of some trees that have a sweet and full juice, as grapes, cherries, apples, pears, figs, &c. which need not the addition of any ferment, having a natural ferment of their own, but other vegetables not so, being lean, as hearbs, flowers and roots. It is necessary there to promote the fermentation of them by the addition of a sutable ferment, lest in length of time these hearbs and seeds lose their spirit exhaling in maceration. And thus much I was willing to say for information sake, and indeed for the sake of them who seek after the best and choicest medicines, wanting a good burning spirit as a companion applicable to them. For this spirit came not only by it self, as Aqua vitæ, into a medicinal use as well internal as external, especially that which is prepared of cordial, and cephalick hearbs; but also being united with the proper oyls of those hearbs in many desperate diseases, where it could put forth its vertues eminently.
And thus much sufficeth concerning the preparation of vegetables that goes before the distillation of burning spirits.
The manner of distilling in general followeth.
He that is going to distil, hath need to stir his fermented matter very well with a stick, that the thicker parts may be well mixed with the thinner, and then he must fill therewith his distilling vessel set upon a treefoot, and joyned to the copper globe in the furnace on one side, and to the refrigeratory on the other, the joints in all places being well closed either with Oxe-bladders, or with starch and paper. Also the interiour part of the globe in the distilling vessel must be fenced with a copper or wooden basket, that the herbs, seeds, and other things enter not into the globe, into which only water must come. Also the upper hole must be close stopped with a fitting stopple wrapt about with linnen clouts, (viz. that hole by which the matter to be distilled is put in) like to vessels of wine that are stopped. Which being well done, you must kindle the fire in the furnace under the globe, until all the matter in the whole vessel boyl well, and that burning spirit rise, and go out, through the refrigeratory (where it is condensed) into the glass receiver that is set under it, no less than that distilled out of a still; and you must continue the fire till all the spirit be come forth, which you may know by the taste. Which being done, and all things being cold, let the remainders be taken out by the lower large tap-hole, for meat for swine, or other uses. The spirit that is drawn off may be exalted, and rectified at your pleasure in the same vessel, being first made clean together with the refrigeratory. Note well, that sometimes there is left a fat oyl with the flegm in rectifying of the spirit, proceeding from that hearb of which that was the spirit, which did distil off with the spirit from the matter with a strong fire in the first distillation, but in the rectifying could not ascend with the spirit in a gentle fire, but is constrained to remain with the insipid flegm. And this oyl also hath its vertues, especially that which is rectified by a glass gourd in Balneo, with the spirit of salt, and clarified. Now the like oyl is got almost from all hearbs, roots, seeds, flowers, and fruits, but out of one subject more than another, according to the hot and cold temper thereof. Especially the sediment of wines yields a good quantity of such oyl, which being rectified is a medicinal true oyl of wine, but not before endued with a sweet savour, and it is an excellent cordial, although I know no body that knew this before.
And thus I have shewed the general way of distilling, burning spirits, by help of the aforesaid wooden distillatory. Now also follows,
The manner of distilling Spices, Seeds, Flowers, Hearbs, Roots, Woods, &c.
First, the seeds must be broken in a mill, flowers, hearbs, and roots cut small, the woods broken or rasped, upon which afterwards a good quantity of water (in which they may swim) must be poured for the maceration of them, so that when the distillation is ended there may remain some water, lest for want of water they be burnt in the distilling, and yield an oyl savouring of an empyreuma, and not sweet. Neither is too great a quantity to be poured upon them, but as much as shall serve to prevent the burning of the aforesaid vegetables in the distilling of the oyl thereof. And indeed fresh vegetables may presently without any foregoing maceration, being put with their proper waters into the distilling vessel be distilled. But they that be dry may for the space of some dayes be macerated before they be distilled. Also the water appointed for maceration must be salted, for the better mollifing, and opening the aforesaid materials, that they may sooner yield their oyl. Now green and fresh need not any salt water, yet it will not be hurtful to mix some therewith, because salt helps the boyling water, so as to make the oyl more easily to ascend. It also helps and furthers distillation as doth Tartar and Allome, if they be rightly mixed and ordered. Which being all rightly done, the materials that are macerated must be put by a funnel into the distilling vessel, and fire must be given as hath been spoken concerning the burning spirit, and the oyl of the seed, or wood macerated in the water will come forth in the distillation together with the water. And although by this way more oyl comes forth, viz. Maceration being made by the addition of salt, than without salt, by the help of the sweet water alone, as is the fashion in all places almost to distill oyls of spices; yet much remaines inseparable by the water, and consequently not to be sublimed with the water. Therefore the better way is that which I shewed in the first part to be performed with the spirit of salt, which if you please you may follow. All the oyl being come forth (which is perceived by the changing of the receivers) the fire is to be extinguished, and the remainder is to be taken out, which if it be of seeds, hearbs, or fruits, may, being yet warm, be fermented by the addition of ferment for the distilling of the spirit, of which there cannot be so great a quantity by reason of taking away of the oyl, as otherwise is drawn out of things that have not lost their oyl: For all burning spirit partakes of much oyl, of the essence, and nature whereof more a little after. Now spirits must be made without the addition of any salt, for salt hinders the fermentation, without which the burning spirit cannot be had. But the water that is distilled together with the oyl, is to be set in a certain temperate place, until the oyl ascend, and swim upon the water, from whence it is to be separated with a Tunnel (of which in the fifth part,) also there are some oyls which do not ascend, but fall to the bottom, which are also to be separated with a Tunnel, and kept for their uses. Now how these oyls may be kept clear long, and not contract any clamminess, shall be taught in the fifth part: but how they may after they have lost their clearness by long standing, and are become tenacious, be restored and clarified again, is taught in the first part, wherefore I need not here repeat it.
How Oyls are to be coagulated into Balsames.
It hath been the custom a long time to turn aromatical oyls into Balsams, where always one hath been willing to excel another in this Art, which nevertheless was nothing hitherto, but for a washing and cleansing; for they could not be used inwardly, but only outwardly for their odour to comfort the heart and brain. Now the aforesaid oyls are coagulated many ways, and are made portable in Tin, Silver, and ivory boxes.
Some have mixed the fat of a lamb with them by help of heat, and have turned them into a liniment, which they have coloured with divers colours; as for example, they have corrupted the oyls of green hearbs; as rosemary, marjoram, lavender, rue, sage, with a green colour, by the admixtion of verdigrease (which is noxious to the head and heart) where one corroborates and refresheth, another destroys. They have tinged the Balsam of Cinnamon, and lignum Rhodium with a red colour by the help of a poysonous Cinnabar. Others that are more industrious, have tinged their Oyls with extracted colours of vegetables, which balsams are more safely taken inward: But they are not durable, acquiring a sliminess and stink; wherefore they have mixed white wax to coagulate them: By which means they are become more durable without stinking; but yet in length of time so tenacious, that being smeared or rubbed upon the skin, they stick fast by reason of the wax that is mixed with them: at last others have found out a better way of coagulating aromatical oyls, and other things, viz. by the addition of the oyl of Nutmeg made by expression, having lost its odour and colour by spirit of wine; which they called the Mother of Balsames. And this way hath been a long time concealed by Apothecaries as a great secret, until at length it is become common, so that balsames prepared after this manner are sold almost in all shops: But although that be the best way, yet they are not durable balsames that are made that way, because they lack salt. I do not contemn and disapprove of Balsames made after this way, for if a better way had been known, better had been made, for no man is obliged beyond his power. Wherefore they are not only to be excused, that have used Lambs fat, Wax, and the oyl of Nutmegs in the making of their Balsames, but also to be honoured for their communication. Now seeing the aforesaid Balsames cannot be taken inwardly, nor be so well outwardly administred by reason of their unctuosity, others have consulted to congeal the Oyls by the admixtion of their own proper fix-salts: And Balsames prepared after this manner are made free from clamminess, or tenaciousness, and may be dissolved in wine, beer, or any liquor.
Wherefore they may be not only conveniently taken inward, but also more fitly than those old, be rubed outwardly for the odours sake, because they are easily washed off again with water. They do not only give a most sweet odour being rubbed, but also by reason of the admixtion of the fixed salt, having the nature of salt of Tartar, do beautify the skin. Wherefore they are to be commended, being dissolved in fair warm water for a lotion for the head, and face; not only because they beautify, but corroborate with their excellent odour; which those fat Balsames cannot do. Wherefore this way is to be preferred far before the other.
Let him therefore that will, receive what I have said, for rare and new things are not alwayes accepted, especially being obscure: but I hope for the approbation of the age to come.
The manner of preparing follows.
Take the remains of the burning spirit, and being put into a sack, press it hard: reduce the water pressed out into vinegar, and of roses thou shalt have a rose vinegar, and of other things another, being the best in a Family for to season meats: then take the remains out of the sack, and reduce it to white ashes in a potters furnace, upon which pour the flegm of its own burning spirit (being separated) to extract the salt, from which evaporate again all the humidity in a glazed earthen pot: calcine the coagulated salt gently in a clean crucible, and it will be white and be like to salt of tartar in tast; from which abstract, sometimes its own proper burning spirit, calcining the salt first every time; and the spirit will be so exalted by its proper salt, that it will presently assume its proper oyl, and will, being poured upon it, associate it to it self so as to be perceived no more in the spirit, which will remain very clear: Which being done, calcine the salt yet once more very well in a crucible, and dissolve so much of it in its proper flegm, as sufficeth for the coagulation of the oyl, then mix this solution with the burning spirit, mixed with its oyl, and set it in a vial of a long neck well stopt, in Balneo, that the spirit may not exhale, in the coction of it, and in the space of a few hours there will be an union of the mixture which will be as white as milk. Which being done, let the glass cool, for there is a conjunction of the spirit, oyl, and salt, so that neither can be discerned from another, which is to be poured into a vessel of a wide mouth, and it will be congealed in the cold like a white ointment, not only to be anointed withal, but also to be dissolved in any liquor, being of an excellent odour, which may also be given inwardly very conveniently, and being used outwardly it makes the skin beautiful and sweet; wherefore this is that most desired balsame of Princes and Ladies. And by this way the three principles of vegetables, being separated, and purified, are again reunited, in which union there is found the whole vertue, tast, and odour of the vegetable.
Note well, That he that will colour balsames, must draw the colour out of vegetables with spirit of wine, which he must make to be coagulated together with it. After this aforesaid manner, therefore you may draw out of any vegetable that hath in it salt, spirit and oyl, soluble and well smelling balsomes without the addition of any other strange thing, which are not to be contemned.
And because here also is taught that most odoriferous balsame of roses, for roses yield but a little oyl, without which that cannot be done, know that not only roses or rose leaves also are to be taken for the making the aforesaid balsome, but also together with the leaves those whole knots; for that yellow that is in them yields that oyl, not the rose leaves, &c. And let what hath been said suffice concerning our preparation of balsames, which if they be rightly made, are not I suppose, to be contemned, neither do I reject those that are made without salt: Let him that hath better communicate them, and not carp at ours. And so I would that all and each process should be comprehended under some one general, viz. of distilling burning spirits, and oyls, by the help of a wooden distilling vessel, and their conjunction by the help of their proper fixed salt, I could here add more things concerning the use, and vertues of spirits of wine, and of those most sweet vegetable oyls; but because they are clearly enough spoken of by others, I account it a superfluous thing to repeat the sayings of others, being contented with the description of one only general process, which you may imitate in other particulars.
_There follows now the use of the second wooden vessel, which is to be used instead of those of copper or lead, serving for distillations, digestions, extractions, and fixations._
The vessel being made ready according to the prescription set down before, there is nothing else to do, than to fit the furnace with the globe, and at your pleasure to heat water in it, with a government of the fire in the furnace. Now all things may here be done, which otherwise are done in a common Balneo; where there is no other difference but of vessels; here is used a wooden vessel, there a copper, leaden, or iron, &c. In this operation also is used the same furnace with the same globe, which was used above in the distillation, wherefore you need add nothing else beside, for nothing is more common than a Balneum in distillation; let the demonstration therefore of the use of the copper globe suffice. Now I thought it worth while to set down some Chymical medicinal extracts, not common, which may be made by the help of this Balneum, which being rightly prepared do many things in many diseases.
And first of a vomitive Extract.
Take an ounce of the flowers of Antimony, of purifyed Tartar ℥ ij. of sugar-candy ℥ vj. of rain water two pints, being mixed together, set them in a strong vial in Balneo for to be cocted, and make them to boyl strongly the space of ten or twelve hours. Then the Balneum being cold, take out the glass, and pour forth the decoction, and filter it through a brown paper put into a tunnel; the filtred water will be reddish betwixt sweet and sowre, which take (the fæces in the filtre being cast away) and in a small gourd glass draw off all the moisture with a gentle fire in Balneo unto the consistency of honey of a brownish colour, upon which again pour a pint of spirit of wine, poured forth into a vial with a long neck; and set it on Balneo with a moderate heat the space of eight or sixteen hours, and then the spirit of wine will separate, and extract the essence, which will be more pure and noble, the fæces being left in the bottom; which after all things are cold are to be separated by the Help of Filtration through a double brown paper. Then take the red tincture that is filtred, and in a gourd glass in a gentle Balneo draw off almost all the spirit of wine until there remain a matter like a very sweet syrup, which being taken out keep as a most excellent vomitive, most profitable in many diseases, where other Catharticks can do nothing. For this medicine works most gently, wherefore it may be given to children of a year and half old without danger, and also to old men. This medicine purgeth and attracts all humors from the nerves, and veins, opens all obstructions of the liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys, by which means many most grievous diseases are cured.
I never found a vomitive comparable to this, which works quickly and safely. The dose of it is from grain 1, 2, 3, 4. to 10. and 30. according to the age and sickness. It may be taken by it self, or in wine, beer, &c. and it will within a quarter of an hour begin to work, and ceaseth within two hours. Sometimes it doth not provoke vomit at all, but only stools, where a glyster is very helpful if it be given a little before the administring of the aforsaid medicine, being made of two or three spoonful of oyl Olive, and salt water; for the glyster prepares the way below, so that it seldome then works by way of vomit: when also the patient may presently after the taking of the medicine hold hot tosted bread to his mouth and nose, which hinders vomiting and promotes the operation by stool. But in my judgment it is better not to hinder the medicine seeking a spontaneous way of operation, and not forced: For vomiting is more convenient for some, than purging by stool. Now these things I have spoken for the sake of those, who although they abhor vomiting, yet desire to be purged by the essence of Antimony, which is of all that I know the most safe, and sweet Cathartick. For it searcheth the whole body far better than all others, and frees it from many occult diseases, the which all other vegetable Catharticks could not do. It hath also this commodity in it, that although by littleness of the dose, or the strong nature of the patient it doth not work by vomit or stool, yet it doth not like other medicines hurt the body, but works either by sweat or urine, so that Antimony being rightly prepared is seldome administred without profit. When as on the contrary, vegetable Catharticks being given in less dose or by reason of some other causes do not work, although they do not make the body swell, and produce manifest diseases, yet they threaten to the body occult sicknesses.
Now the Arcanum of Antimony doth not onely not do hurt, if it do not sensibly operate, but by insensible working doth much good to the body of man. Wherefore there is a great difference betwixt purging minerals, and vegetables. For minerals are given in a less dose without nauseousness, but vegetables with a great deal of nauseousness, and sometimes with danger to the sick in a greater dose. Now that nauseousness also proceeding oftentimes from the great dose of the ungrateful bitter potions does more hurt than the potion it self. I wish that such kind of gross medicines were abolished, and the sweet Extracts of Vegetables and Essences of Minerals were substituted in their place.
A purging Extract.
Take of the roots of black Hellebore gatherd in fit time, and dryed in the air, one pound, the roots of Mechoacan, Jallap, of each four ounces; Cinnamon, Annisseed, and Fennelseed, of each one ounce; of English Saffron a dram, powder all these Ingredients, then pour upon them the best rectified spirit of Wine, in a high glass gourd, and upon this put a blind Alembick, and set it in digestion; in Balneo until the Spirit of wine be tinged red, which then decant off: and pour on fresh, and set it again in digestion; until the spirit be red, then pour on fresh again, and do this so often until the spirit will no more be tinged red, which commonly is done at three Times. Mix these tinged spirits, filter them, and in Balneo by a glass Alembick, with a gentle heat draw them off from the Tincture, and a thick juice will remain at the bottom of a brownish colour, which you must take out whilst it is yet hot, and keep it in a clean glass for its uses. The Spirit of Wine drawn off from the extract may be reserved for the same use. Now this extract is given from grains 3, 6, 9, 12. to 31. according to the age, and strength, being mixed with Sugar, it hath not an ungrateful tast, and it works gently, and safely, if it be not given in too great a dose. And if thou wilt have it in the form of a Pill, mix with it being yet hot, an ounce of clear Aloes, and half an ounce of Diagridium powdered, being mixed bring it into a mass for Pills, and keep it for your use. The dose is from grain 1. to a scruple. It evacuates all superfluous humors, but it is not to be compared with the medicine of Antimony. And this extract I put down for the sakes of those that fear Minerals, and abhor Vomits, which in my judgment is the best of all vegetable Catharticks.
A Diaphoretical Extract.
Take the wood Sassafras, Sarssaparilla, of each six ounces; Ginger, Galengal, Zedoary, of each three ounces; long Pepper, Cardamoms, Cubebs, of each an ounce; Cinnamon, Mace, of each half an ounce; English Saffron, Nutmeg, Cloves, of each a dram: Let the woods be rasped, the roots and spices poudered, pour upon them, being mixed, the spirit of wine, and let the tincture be drawn forth in Balneo, as hath been abovesaid of the purging Extract, evaporate away the spirit to the consistency of honey, which keep for your use. It is good in the Plague, Feavers, Scorbute, Leprosie, Frenchpox, and other diseases proceeding, from the impurity of the blood, curing them by sweat. The Dose of this Extract is from a scruple to a dram with proper vehicles: it provoketh sweat presently, driveth away all venenosities from the heart, and mundifies the blood.
And although it be a most effectual vegetable Diaphoretick yet it may not be compared to those subtile spirits of minerals, of which in the second part. Also animal diaphoreticks have their commendations, as the flesh of vipers, the fixed salt of spiders and toads, in their peculiar operations, where each alone without the mixture of any other thing puts forth and sheweth its operations; neither are animal and vegetable diaphoreticks to be compared to the mineral, as Bezoarticum minerale, Antimomum diaphoreticum, and Aurum diaphoreticum.
A Diuretical Extract.
Take the seeds of Saxifrage, Carraway, Fennel, Parsly, Netles, of each 3. ounces, the root of liquorish, the greater burr, of each an ounce, the powder of woodlice half an ounce. Let these being mixed and powdered be extracted with spirit of Juniper according to art: then mix these following things with the extracted matter: Take the salt of Ambar, Soot, Netles, of each half a dram, purified Nitre a dram: Let these be powdered, and mixed with the extract and this mixture be kept for use. The dose is from a scruple to a dram, in the water of parsly fennel, &c. This extract forceth urin, opens the ureters, purgeth the reines, and bladder from all viscous flegme (the mother of all tartareous coagulation) viz. if it be used timely: In this case is commended also the solution of flints, and crystals, made with spirit of salt. A greater commendation have salts of nephritick hearbs made by expression, and crystallisation, without calcination, the preparation whereof shall not here, but elsewhere be taught.
A somniferous Extract.
Take of Thebaic opium four ounces, of Spirit of Salt two ounces, purified Tartar one ounce, set them being mixed in maceration in Balneo in a glass vessel for a day and night, and the spirit of salt with Tartar will open the body of the opium, and prepare it for extraction, upon which pour half a pint of the best spirit of wine, set it in a gentle Balneo to be extracted. Decant off the spirit that is tinged, and pour on fresh, set it in digestion till the spirit be coloured. Then mix the axtractions together, and put to them in a glass gourd two drams of the best Saffron, of oyl of Cloves a dram, and draw off the spirit of wine in Balneo, and there will remain a thick black juice, which is to be taken out, and kept in a clean glass vessel. The dose thereof is from one grain, to five or six, for those of a mans age, but to children the sixth or eighth part of a grain. It may be used in all hot distempers without danger. It provoketh quiet sleep, mitigates pains as well outward as inward, it causeth sweat; but especially it is a sure remedy for the epilepsie in children that are new-born; for as soon as it is given to them to the quantity of the eighth part of a grain in wine, or womans milk, there presently follows rest, and sweat with sleep, by which means the malignity is expelled, the children are refreshed, and desire victuals, and the fit returns no more afterwards. Although haply the like symptomes may be perceived again, yet if the aforesaid dose be administred again, the children are refreshed, and cured wholly, whereas otherwise they would have dyed, &c. whereof I have not restored few with this medicine. Moreover also there are very effectual anodine medicines, as those volatile spirits of vitriol, allome, Antimony, and other minerals, with which, as also with that narcotick sulphur precipitated from the volatile spirit of vitriol, nothing may be compared.
A Cordial Extract.
Take red roses four ounces, of the lilly of the valley two ounces, the flowers of borage, rosemary, sage, of each an ounce; cinnamon, lignum aloes, of each two drams; cloves, mace, nutmeg, galangal, cardamoms the lesser, of each half an ounce; the shavings of ivory, hartshorn, of each an ounce; of English saffron a dram, of nux vomica a dram: Mix them and reduce them to a fine powder, and let the tincture be extracted with spirit of wine in Balneo, which is to be drawn off again, unto a just consistence. Let the extract be kept for use. It may be used in almost all faintings, and other affects that are not joyned with a preternatural heat. The dose thereof is from grains 3, 6, 9. to a scruple with proper vehicles; being often administred it refresheth the spirit, corroborates the brain, and other parts of the body. It is made more efficacious by the adding of the essences of minerals, especially of gold, of which thing see the first part concerning the sweet oyl of gold.
Of an odoriferous Extract.
I need not teach the making of any odoriferous vegetable extract, because the manner of drawing forth, or distilling oyls of vegetables that have sweet odores, hath been shewed a little before, as of hearbs, flowers, and seeds, which are the most noble, and sweet essences of vegetables, by the odour whereof the heart and brain are corroborated, which being reduced into balsams are made transportable. Better extracts therefore, and more excellent cannot in my judgment be made out of vegetables, then those aforesaid oyls, unless any one would mix aromatical extracts made with spirit of wine with metallick solutions, and being mixed digest them, then there will a certain most odoriferous oyl go from the extract not only more efficacious, but more excellent than that common distilled oyl by reason of the admixtion of the spiritual metallick vertue, especially of gold and silver, dissolved in the acid Menstruum communicating its vertues to the Aromatical oyl. Moreover any vegetable oyl may be exalted in vertues and odour by the help of spirit of urine, or salt Armoniack, by the help whereof not only odoriferous oyls are exalted, but also the inodorous oyls of vegetables are made odoriferous, if they be a while digested in spirit of urine: and not this only but every mineral, and metallick sulphur, although the odour thereof be bound up with most strong bonds, is opened by the benefit thereof, and is reduced by digestion in a very little time into a most sweet and odoriferous essence. Lixivial spirits exalt the odours, and colours of sulphurs; acid purge sulphurs, but change their colours and odours. Musk and Civet get the sweetness; and excellency of their odour from the subtile urinous spirit of a certain Cat, digesting some certain fat and converting it into such a kind of most odoriferous matter.
And let this that hath been said suffice concerning Extracts, which might have been omitted, because many of these kind of Extracts are found in the writings of other authors in many languages: but I was willing to set down these, lest this book might seem to contain in it nothing else besides the new way of distilling, being furnished also with good medicines.
Of Baths.
A little before hath been given a description of a Tub for a Bath in which any one may sit with his whole body except his head, not only to be washed in sweet warm water, whether medicinal and mineral, but also to sweat in without water, where the vessel is heated by warm vapours, either of sweet waters, or minerals. And every one may provide such Baths for himself according to his necessity at home, whereby the same diseases are cured as those that are cured by the help of natural Baths, so that he need not for the baths sake go a great journey, but may stay at home with his family and follow his Calling without trouble, when he hath occasion and need to used them.
And whereas it cannot be denyed, that by the use of the Baths most grievous diseases which cannot be cured by Physitians, are happily cured; I was willing for the sake of my neighbour to publish this instrument together with the preparation of mineral waters; which publishing will not without doubt be without profit, and advantage. Wherefore I will in brief shew you the preparation of mineral, and sweet waters, and their use, and first,
Of a Bath of sweet or common water.
There is no art to make a Bath of sweet water, for you have nothing else to do, then to fill your vessel with river or rain water, and to make a fire, which by the help of the copper globe will heat the water, which being sufficiently heated, you may sit in it, and cover the Tub, that the hot vapors evaporate not, nor the cold air enter in, and cool the exteriour parts of the body: Wherefore also you must apply a clean linnen cloth about your neck, lest the warm vapors evaporate there: which being rightly observed, you may sit the space of 1. 2. 3. hours, or as long as you please or your sickness require. You must keep a continual heat as much as is necessary, which may be done by the help of that globe. If you be thirsty in the mean time you may drink some proper distilled drink according to the nature of your disease, of which thing nothing now, because I am resolved to write a peculiar book de Balneis, and here only to shew the use of that copper globe in heating of Baths. And although there be not a perfect instruction of all, yet of some Baths, and their uses there shall a short instruction be given in this place.
Of the nature, and property of natural Baths.
Know that the greatest part of medicinal waters in Germany, and other countries as well hot as cold carry with them from the earth a certain sulphureous acidity more or less: in which acidity consists that medicinal faculty and vertue of this or that water. And if those waters lose their odour and tast by the exhaling of their subtile spirits, then also they loose their vertues; although also there be found some waters, which have not only a spiritual sulphur, but also are impregnated with a certain mineral, or metallick body mixed with Allome, or Vitriol, which comes not elsewhere then from the common water running through the mines. There are found also other baths, the power and vertue whereof consists not in any spiritual sulphur, nor in any metallick body mixed with salt, but only in a certain spiritual salt mixed with a certain subtil fixed earth, which waters do not run through metallick mines as others do, but rather stones of the mountaines calcined with a subterraneal fire, whence also they borrow their subtil acidity with their insipid earth. And this no man will deny that hath the knowledge of volatile and fixed salts of minerals, and metals: the which I am able to demonstrate with very many, and most evident reasons, if time and occasion would permit; but it shall be done sometime or other as hath been said in a peculiar treatise. Now therefore I will only teach how by salts, minerals, and metals, artificial Baths may be made, which are not only not inferiour to the natural in vertue, but also oftentimes far better, and that without much cost or labour, which any one may use at home in stead of the natural for the expelling of diseases, and recovering of health. And although I am resolved to set forth a book that shall treat largely of the nature, and original of Baths, and of their use; yet I am willing now also to say something in brief concerning it, and that from the foundation, seeing that there are so many different opinions of learned men, and those for the most part uncertain.
As concerning therefore the original of the acidity as well volatile, as corporeal, as also the heat of Baths, know that is not one, and the same; for else each would have the same properties, but daily experience testifies the contrary: For it is manifest that some Baths help some diseases, and others are hurtful for them, which comes from nothing else but from the difference of the properties of the mineral waters proceeding from a diversity of mines impregnating those waters. In a word, sweet waters attract their powers, and vertues in the caverns of mountains from some metal and minerals of divers kinds, that have naturally a most acid spirit of salt, as are divers kinde of marcasites containing copper and iron, and sometimes gold and silver; also kinds of vitriol and Allome called by the ancients Misii, Rarii, Chalcitis, Melanteria, and Pyritis, whereof some are found white like metals, but others dispersed in a fat earth, of a round figure in greater or lesser pieces: which sulphureous salt mines whilest the water run through, and humectates, that spirit of salt is stirred up, having got a vehiculum, and falls upon the mines by dissolving them, in which solution the water waxeth warm, as if it had been poured on quick lime, or like spirit of vitriol, or salt mixed with water, and poured on iron, and other metals; where continually and daily that water running through the mines whose nature and properties it imitates, carrys something with it: wherefore there are so many, and such various kinds of Baths as are the mines by which the water is heated. Let him that will not believe take any mineral of the aforesaid quality, and wrap it up in a wet linen cloth for a little while, and he will see it experimentally that the mineral stone will be heated by the water, and so heated, as if it were in the fire, so as thou canst scarce hold it in thy hand, which at length also by a longer action will cleave in sunder and be consumed like quick lime.
I will publish some time or other (God willing) more fully, and clearly in a peculiar treatise this my opinion, which I have now delivered in very few words. Although to the sick it be all one, and it matters not them, from what cause the baths come, and whence they borrow their vertues, if so be they may use them; this controversie being left to natural Philosophers that will controvert it, which none of them can better decide than a skilful Chymist, that hath the knowledg of minerals, metals, and salts.
And first of sulphureous Baths that have a subtil acidity.
In the second Treatise I have demonstrated the manner of distilling subtil, volatile, sulphureous spirits, viz. of common salt, vitriol, allome, nitre, sulphur, antimony, and other salts of minerals, and metals, and their vertues, and intrinsecal properties, now also I will shew their extrinsecal use, as they are to be mixed with waters for Baths. The vertues therefore of Baths proceed not from insipid water, but from those most subtile, volatile, sulphureous, and salt spirits; but these being of themselves not mixed with water unfit for Baths, to be used for recovering of health, by reason of their too great heat, and subtilty; the most high God hath revealed to us unworthy and ungrateful men his fatherly providence shewing to us by nature the use of them, and the manner of using of them for the taking away of diseases; which (nature) being never idle, works uncessantly, and like a handmaid executes the will of God, by shewing to us the various kinds of distillations, transmutations, and generations. From which teacher we must learn all arts and sciences, seeking a certain, and infallible information, as it were out of a book writ with a divine hand, and filled with innumerable wonders, and secrets. And this is a far certainer knowledg then that empty, and imaginary Philosophy of those vulgar disputing Philosophers. Dost thou think that that true Philosophy can be sold for a hundred Royals? How can any one judge of things hid in the earth, who is willfully blind in things exposed to the light of the Sun, hating knowledge? I wish knowledge were sutable to the name: how can any one that is ignorant of the nature of fire, know how to work by fire? fire discovers many things, in which you may as in a glass see things that are hid; The fire shews to us how every thing, waters, salt, minerals, and metals, together with other innumerable things are generated in the bowels of the earth by the reflexion of that central, and astral fire: for without the knowledge of fire all nature remains vailed, and occult. Fire (always had in great esteem by Philosophers) is the key for the unlocking of the greatest secrets, and to speak in a word, he that is ignorant of fire is ignorant of nature with her fruits, and he hath nothing, but what he hath read, or heard, which oftentimes is false, according to that; He easily speaks untruths that speaks what he hath heard.
He that is ignorant knows not how to discern betwixt the truth and falshood, but takes the one for the other. I pray thee, thou that art so credulous, dost thou think that thy teacher writ his books from experience, or from reading other Authors? May they not be corrupted and sophisticated by antiquity, and frequent description? Also dost thou understand the true, and genuine sense of them? It is better to know, than to think; for many are seduced by opinions, and many are deceived by faith that is without knowledge.
And thus much for youths sake I was willing to say, that they would not spend their tender years in vanities, but rather would make tryal in the fire, without which no man obtains a true knowledge of natural things; which although it seem hard in the beginning, yet it is pleasant in old age.
Now follows the mixture of those subtile mineral, sulphureous, and salt spirits with water.
As concerning the weight of the aforesaid spirits that are to be mixed with sweet water, giving it the nature, and property of natural baths, I would have thee know, that of those, which in the second part I shewed to be various, and divers, being, viz. not equal in vertue, the same weight cannot always be so accurately observed: seeing also there is a consideration to be had of their strength, and of the strength of the patient.
Now you may at the beginning mix one or two pound of the spirits with a sufficient quantity of the water, and then by sitting in it make tryal of the strength of the artificial Bath, which if it be too weak is to be increased by adding a greater quantity of the spirits, but if too strong, then it is to be diminished by abstraction; of which more at large in Arte nostra Balneatoria. Now this observe, that it is best to make Baths in the beginning weak, then stronger by little and little by degrees, as the nature of the sick is accustomed to them, that it be not overcome by the unaccustomed use of them being too strong. Wherefore Baths are to be used with discretion, and cautiously, for which matter I refer the reader to my Artem Balneatoriam, in which he shall find plain, and perfect instruction; let it suffice therefore that I have shewed the use of the Copper Globe, in heating Baths, which let the sick take in good part, untill more come. Now follows the use.
Of Sulphur Baths.
Apply the furnace with the Copper Globe to the Tub after the manner aforesaid, and pour in a sufficient quantity of sweet water, which make hot with the fire kindled in the furnace by the help of the globe: which being sufficiently warmed make the patient sit in it, and pour into it so much of the sulphureous spirit as is sufficient; which being done cause that the tub be covered all over, that the volatile spirit vanish not, and as necessity requires, continue the heat till the patient come forth. Know also that the water is to be changed every time, and fresh spirits to be mixed. And this is the use of the Copper globe, in heating baths of sweet or medicinal water, and that either of vegetables, or mineral, and this made sulphureous by art or nature; whereby most grievous, and otherwise incurable diseases are happily cured: Of which enough now in this Treatise.
The use of the Copper Globe in dry Baths, which are more excellent than the moist in many cases.
I might have put off this matter unto its proper Treatise, where all things shall be handled more largely, and clearly: yet by reason of some unthought of impediments for a while procrastinating the edition of the promised Treatise, I am resolved to say something of their use, after I have made mention of the humid, and indeed not only of the use of those subtile, sulphureous, and dry spirits, but also of the use of subtile, vegetable and animal spirits which are medicinal, because in some diseases dry baths are more commodiously used, than moist. He therefore that will provoke sweat by a dry bath without water, let him provide a wooden box, or wooden instrument convenient to sit in, standing upon a stool boared through that you may raise it up more or less according as you please, and having boards appointed for the armes and feet to rest upon. This box also besides the great dore must have also a little dore serving for the putting in of a burning lamp with spirit of wine, or of any earthen vessel with coals for to heat it. [See the sixth figure.] The box being well warmed, let the patient go in, and sit upon a stool, let the box be very close shut all about, and the furnace with the Copper Globe be fitted thereunto, under which let there be a small fire kindled, by help whereof the volatile spirit growing warm, goeth forth into the box like a most subtile vapour, penetrating all about the patient. But when this spirit is not sufficient to heat the box, set in it a burning lamp with spirit of wine, or some earthen pot with coals (the best whereof are made of Juniper or the vine, especially of the roots as being such that will endure long, and cannot easily be extinguished by the vapours of those spirits) that the patient take not cold, and the vapours of the spirits may the better penetrate the body of the patient. Let the wick for the spirit of wine in the burning lamp be incombustible made of the subtle threads of gold, of which thing more in Arte Balneatoria. In the mean time that volatile spirit penetrates, and heats the whole body, and performs its office, being this way used better than by being mixed with water. When the patient hath sate there long enough let him come forth, and go into a warm bed to sweat. Now before he go into the box let him take a dose of that volatile spirit, inwardly which is used outwardly to provoke sweat, and accelerate the action. And by this means not only those volatile sulphureous spirits of salts, minerals and metals, are used outwardly without water to procure sweat, but also the spirits of many vegetables, as of mustard seed, garden cresses, crude tartar, also of animals, as harts-horn, urin, salt Armoniack, &c. for the expelling of most grievous, and desperate diseases. Now the aforesaid spirits have divers properties, the volatile spirits of salt, minerals, and metals have some, those of vegetables and animals have others; those have a sulphureous and fiery essence; these a mercurial, and aerial; wherefore they serve for different uses. In some diseases those sulphureous are preferred; but in others vegetable and animal, where also a consideration is to be had of the sickness, and bath it self, that one be not used for the other, to the great dammage of the sick. For almost all natural baths, and volatile spirits of salts, minerals, and metals, partake of some most subtle, penetrating, heating, and drying sulphureous salt spirit; but the spirits of vegetables, and animals partake of a certain volatility that is most subtle, penetrating, heating, opening, cutting and attenuating, both urinous and nitrous, viz. contrary to the former; as appears by the pouring on of any volatile sulphureous spirit, as of common salt, vitriol, allome, minerals, and metals, upon the rectified spirit of Urin, or salt Armoniack: where presently the one mortifies the other, and takes away its volatility, and subtilty: so that of both subtle spirits of divers natures there cometh a certain salt of no odour and efficacy. Whence it is manifest that all spirits partaking of divers natures, and essences have not the same faculties. Therefore be thou cautious in giving most potent spirits, lest thou give an enemy instead of a friend, and learn their natures, vertues, and essences, before thou usest them in medicine. But thou dost ask, whether is that great force of those spirits gone as it were in a moment? Did it evaporate in that duel? No I say, but transmuted into a corporeal substance, for of a most pure, mineral, subtle, and most volatile sulphur, and a most penetrating animal Mercury is made a certain corporeal salt, which is wonderful, and deserves to be called Aquila Philosophorum, because it is easily sublimed with a gentle heat, in which many things lye: for it doth not only conduce to the solution of metals, especially of gold, but also of it self by the power of maturation doth become a most efficacious medicine: Of which no more at this time, because I will only advise the reader, that he be diligent in searching out the nature of spirits, which although they change their bodies, yet are not therefore to be called dead, but rather reduced to a better perfection. And let this suffice concerning the dry use of baths in provoking sweat for the expelling of diseases: now for what diseases this or that spirit serves, thou shalt find in its proper Treatise, of which there hath been mention above, but in a word, know that those volatile sulphureous spirits of salts, minerals, and metals, are good in all obstructions of the inward parts, viz. of the spleen, lungs, and liver, but especially are most excellent in heating the cold nerves, because they do most efficaciously heat, attennuate, cut, expel, and mundify, wherefore they are good in Contractures, Palsies, Epilepsy, Scurvy, Hypochondriacal Melancholy, Morbus Gallicus, Itch, and other corrosive ulcers, and Fistulaes, &c.
But the spirits of another kind, as of Tartar, Harts-horn, salt Armoniack, Urine, &c. are hot also, but not so dry, and besides the heating vertue, have also a penetrating, cutting, mollifying, attenuating, absterging, and expelling power; wherefore also they work wonderfully in all obstructions of the inward and outward parts: for they do better than all others, open the pores of the skin, and provoke sweat, mollify, and open the hemorrhoides; provoke the menses of young and elder women, purge and heat the womb, and therefore cause fruitfulness; they heat and purge a cold and moist brain, acuate the intellect, and memory, let they that be great with child take heed of them, and also they that have a Porous open skin. Such and other more properties, and that deservedly are ascribed to these spirits. Now those two aforesaid baths (in one whereof those spirits are used in a humid way, being mixed with warm water, for the whole body to be bathed, and sweat in, but in the other in a dry way where the vapours are by force of the fire made under the Globe, forced up into the sweating box towards the patient, which being used after this manner do oftentimes penetrate, and operate more efficaciously than that humid way) are not to be slighted for the recovery of health, as doing things incredible. Now those spirits not being found in shops, nor being made by any according to the manner that I have shewed in the second Part, I would have thee know that there is yet another matter, which needs not to be distilled, and it is mineral; which being put into the Copper Instrument, doth of its own accord without fire yield such a sulphureous spirit, which penetrates very much, and goeth into the sweating box, like in all things to that which is made out of salts, minerals, and metals. Nature also hath provided us another matter that is to be found every where, which being in like manner put into the Instrument doth by it self, and of its own accord without fire yield a spirit, in vertue not unlike to that which is made out of crude Tartar, or salt Amoniack, Soot, Urine, &c. Of which in the second Part, doing, viz. the same things with that which is made with costs and labours. Those foresaid two matters therefore can do the same things, which are required for a bath and sweating, which those two foresaid kinds of spirits, viz. mineral and sulphureous, vegetable and animal can do, &c. Now what those two matters which are easily every where to be found are, thou desirest to know; but I dare not if I would, for the sake of the pious to reveal them because of the ungrateful, and unworthy. For it is an offence to cast pearl before swine, which yet the pious may, by the blessing of God find out by the reading of the rest of my Writings.
Now follows a wooden vessel which is to be used instead of a Cauldron in boyling of Beer, Metheglin, Vinegar, &c.
Many things might be said concerning this matter, for although men may be found in any part of the world, who know how to make malt of corn, and of this beer and vinegar; yet many things may be said of this matter for the correcting of it; but because it is not my purpose to shew such things now, yet I shall say something of the use of the copper globe which any one may provide instead of Caldrons, and which is to be used with a certain wooden vessel in the boyling of Beer, which by this way he may, as hath been spoken above concerning the operations, make as well as by the help of Caldrons. Moreover I could here also teach some other most profitable secrets, viz. [See Consolat. of Seamen] how honey may be freed from its ungrateful odour, and tast by the help of precipitation; and how afterwards a most sweet spirit is to be drawn out of it very like in all things to the spirit of wine: also how the best and sweetest wine clear, and durable like to Mallago, may be made thence: also how after purging it is to be crystallised, so as to resemble Sugar-candy in goodness and tast: also how the sweetness thereof may be converted into Tartar, very like to the natural: [See Explicat. Mirac. Mundi.] Also how out of fruits of trees, as cherries, apples, pears, &c. a very good, and durable wine in goodness, colour, tast, and vertue, like to the natural, may be made; also how out of unripe grapes, that are not maturated either by the inclemency of the country, or air, their acidity being changed into sweetness, very good Wines like to the Rhenish may be made: also how out of sorrel, and other vegetables, a very good Tartar may be made, and that in a great quantity without much costs, resembling the Rhenish in colour, tast, and other vertues: Also how out of Corn, (whether malted, or ground in a Mill) a very good spirit is to be made, and also a very good vinegar like to the Rhenish; also how out of Corn, (ground in a mill) or Meal, a very good spirit is to be distilled without any loss of the Meal, continuing yet fit to make bread. Such and more of this sort might be taught in this place, but because it is not good to divulge all things together, and at once, and this book would by this means grow bigger than I am willing it should, if such things should be here taught, I shall make an end of this Book (omitting other excellent possible secrets of nature) which although it be but little, yet will without doubt be profitable to many. And so Reader farewel.
The Fourth Part: OF Philosophical Furnaces
_In which is described the Nature of the Fourth Furnace; by the help whereof, Minerals and Metals are tryed, and examined after a more compendious way, than hitherto after the common manner; also the separation of Metals by the force of Fusion, and other necessary things that are done by the power of Fusion or Melting. Most profitable for Chymists, Tryers, and Diggers of Minerals._
Of making the Furnace.
In the first Figure, A. represents the Ash-hole with its door. B. The Register appointed for governing the fire. C. _The Hole with its door assign’d to receive the Crucibles and Coals._ D. The Hole with the door of the First Story. E. _The long Pipe of Iron in the top of the Furnace._
The second Figure, A Cone or Casting Vessel belonging to this Furnace.
This furnace may be made greater, or smaller, as you please, according to the matter to be tryed: and if the Diameter thereof within, be but of one foot, you may set in it a crucible containing two or three pound; but greater crucibles require a greater furnace. Now this furnace must be quadrangular, and be built of stones, and lute, such which abide the fire, of the height of one or two foot from the bottom to the grate, which must be such as may be cleared from the dross mixed with coals, or such as was the grate of the first furnace, consisting of too strong cross iron bars fastned in the furnace with certain distances for the receiving of 5, 6, or 7. other lesser iron bars which are to be moveable, so that when they are obstructed they may be removed, and cleared from the dross; the lower part of the furnace must have near the bottom a hole (in the forepart) of the heighth, and breadth of a little span, with an iron or copper door, shutting close: the lower part also must have another hole near the grate on the other side with its register for the government of the fire, and for the attracting of wind. Above the grate, and a hand breadth from the grate must be another hole for putting in of coals, and crucibles, sutable to the proportion of the furnace, and the height thereof must be of one foot, and the latitude of half a foot, if the inward Diameter of the furnace be of one foot, whereby the crucibles may be the more conveniently handled, and the coals be cast in with a fire-pan: Let this hole also have a very strong door of stone covered over with lute, either of which may endure the fire, and shut very close, that the fire may thereby (when the crucible is placed in the fire) attract air, but only from the collateral hole under the grate. Let the height of the furnace (being coated above) from the hole appointed for the putting in of coals and crucibles, be of one great span: Let there also be a round hole in the furnace, having the third part of the intrinsecal diameter of the furnace, appointed for the flame and smoke; to which if you will use a very violent fire, put to it a strong iron pipe of the height of 5, 6, 8, or 12. foot, for by how much the higher you set your pipe, the stronger fire may you give, and if you will you may erect above the furnace 1, 2, or 3. partitions with their doors serving to divers uses according to the flame that is gathered into them, by reason of divers degrees of fire, which is in them, for the lowest is so hot, that it can easily contain in flux fusible metals, minerals, and salts; and serve for cementation, calcinations, and reverberations; also for burning of crucibles, and other earthen vessels, made of the best earth (of which in the Fifth part) and for vitrifications, and sometimes for trials and burnings, &c. The second division of heat, which is more remiss, serves for the burnings of minerals and metals as of lead, tin, iron and copper, that are necessary for calcinations; also for the necessary calcination of Tartar, and the fixed salt of other vegetables, that is required in chymical operation, as also the calcining of bones, and horns for cuples, and the ashes of wood. The third division or chamber is yet more remiss, and serves for the drying of crucibles, and other vessels that are made of the best earth, and afterwards to be burnt in the first partition. There may also other things be done by the help of these partitions, so that thou needest not for their sakes kindle a peculiar fire. But if thou wilt give a melting fire the strongest of all, put a long pipe to the lower hole appointed for drawing wind, and having a register; for by how much the fire attracts the air more remotely and another flame is forced to beat upon the metals, so much the greater power of the heat is there in the fusion of them. For which business sake thou hast need to have as that inferiour pipe, so also that superiour pipe in the top of the furnace. And if thou hast a fit chamber, in which another may go up from below by the proper chimney, thou mayest build another furnace in the superiour chimney, and perforate the wall with the applying of a register, that the fire may be forced to attract the air from below through the collateral chimney, where you need not that long pipe but only may open a door, or window of the lower chamber, that the air may come into the chimney; and the fire attract the wind out of the collateral chimney, which it doth very vehemently, yea and stronger, than if it were helped with bellows, so that even the furnace, unless it were built of very good and fixed earth, would by too great a heat be destroyed; for oftentimes the strongest crucibles melt with too much heat, wherefore a register is made for the governing of the fire.
And by the help of this furnace, with Gods blessing, I found out my choisest secrets. For before, and indeed from my youth I underwent the trouble of those vulgar labours performed by bellows, and common vents, not without loss of my health, by reason of the unavoidable malignant and poysonous fumes, which danger this furnace was without, not only of poysonous and malignant fumes, but also of all excessive heat: For our furnace sends forth no fume (but above, so drawing, that the door being opened for the putting in of coals, it attracts by the vehemency of the fire, another fume, that is remote by the distance of half an ell. And because the fire doth so vehemently attract, it keeps its heat within it self, so that there is no fear of burning; yet you must cover your hand that holds the tongs with a linnen glove twice double, and wet in water, and with the other hand a wooden fence that is perspectible to preserve your eyes; otherwise it wants all danger of vapours, or fumes, as hath been said, and all excessive heat; the which is a great benefit in Art. I do ingenuously confess, if I had not found this a few years since, I had not without loss left off all Alchymy together with its tedious labours. For I had spent many years of my life in great misery of labours, in superfluous cares, and watchings, as also in stinks, so that going into my Elaboratory with loathing, I should behold so many materials in so many, and such various pots, boxes, and other vessels, and also as many broken as whole instruments of earth, glass, iron, and copper, and did judg my self so unhappy that I had made my self a slave to this Art, and especially because scarce one of 100, whereof I was one, did get his victuals and cloths thereby. For these reasons I was determined to bid farewel to Chymistry, and to apply my self to Physick, and Chirurgery, in which I was always happy. But what? Whilest I thought to do as I resolved, and to cast forth of the doors all and each vessel of divers kinds, I found some crucibles broken, and in them many grains of gold and silver, formerly melted in them, which together with others gathered together, I thought to melt; but seeing I could not melt such things being very hard to be melted, without the help of bellows (which I had sold) I began to consider the matter with my self more seriously, and so I found out this furnace, and being invented, I presently built and proved it, which in tryings I found so good, that I did again take hope of my labours, and would no more despair.
Seeing therefore an easie, and compendious way of melting metals, I began to work, and to begin a new search, and every day I found more and more in nature, viz. the greatest and most pleasant secrets of nature; wherefore I did without ceasing seek, until God had opened mine eyes to see that which I sought a long time for in vain. Where also I observed, that although I had before had more knowledge of nature, yet without this furnace I could scarce have done any thing that had been singular. And so God willing, by the help of this furnace, I found out more and more dayly, for which blessing I give to the immortal God immortal thanks, resolving to communicate this new invention candidly, and faithfully for the sake of my neighbour. Judge therefore O Chymist! whether this, or that which is made by the help of bellows and common vents, be the best? For how long doth he that will melt a hard metal in a wind furnace give fire to it before it will flow, and with what loss of time, and coals? He that doth melt by the help of bellows hath need of a companion to blow, with great danger of breaking the crucible with the winde, and of making it fall when the coals are abated, or of impurities falling into the crucible in case the cover thereof should fall off, although there can be no detriment by impurities falling in, if the matter be metallick, but not so if it be a salt or mineral, (without which that cannot be perfected in the fire) not induring the impurities of the coals, but boyling over by reason of them. Now our furnace is free from this danger, because the wind comes from beneath and crucibles come always into sight, not being so overwhelmed with coals as in the common way, &c. For by this means the matter to be melted is flowed, although the crucibles be not covered over with coals, nor with a cover, and although thou hast not a companion to blow, for you may at pleasure give any degree of fire by the direction of the register. When therefore thou makest any trial in the fire have this furnace which is recommended to thee, which build rightly with its register for the governing of the fire, and for the drawing of wind, and without doubt this labour shall not be in vain.
How minerals are to be tryed.
The manner of trying minerals hath been already made known, wherefore it is not needful here to write many things, because divers Authors, as Georgius Agricola, Lazarus Ercker, and others have sufficiently wrote thereof, to whose writings I refer thee, especially to that most famous Lazarus Ercker which is so much commended, De Probatione Mineralium, as well maglignant (obstinate) as mild. But thus much know, being that which experience hath also taught us, that neither he nor his predecessours had a perfect knowledge of all things, nor would reveal all things they knew. For many excellent things do yet lye hid, and perhaps shall yet for a while lye hid by reason of the ingratitude of the world; although the most famous Philosophers do with one consent affirm that imperfect metals, as lead, tin, iron, copper, and Mercury, are intrinsecally gold, and silver, although it may seem very improbable to many that are not curious, but contented with the opinions of their parents; supposing those minerals to be barren that leave nothing in the cuple, when they are tryed with lead: when as yet that proof by cuples although famous, is not yet that true Philosophical trial of metals, but only vulgar, according to the testimony of Philosophers, as of Isaac Hollandus, and others, especially of Paracelsus in many places treating of metals, but especially in his book Vexationum Alchymistarum, containing a true description of the properties, and perfection of metals. Which although not being to be understood by all, matters not; for a very easie art is not to be communicated to all, according to Paracelsus saying. Imperfect metals being freed from their impurities have in them abundance of gold, and silver. But how metals are to be purged, and separated he doth not teach, but only commends lead to be the Author; which made the Alchymist believe that it was common lead, not knowing that the water thereof (lead) did not only purge other metals, but also lead it self; supposing also that the trial of tin, copper, and iron, made in a cuple with lead to be that true genuine bath thereof; not observing that lead hath no affinity with iron, and tin in a stronger fire, but to reject what is black, and unclean, without any perfection. Now this lead can do, if viz. it be mixed with a mineral that hath gold or silver in it, and be melted in the fire being incorporated with it, it may together with their impurities enter into the Cuple, the good gold and silver being left in the Cuple, which is the proof of minerals that are digged, and used; and it is done upon this account, viz. gold and silver may be naturally purged of their superfluous sulphur, so as never to be any more radically united, and mixed with those that be imperfect, as being polluted with abundance of crude, impure sulphur, although they may be melted together in the fire; yet that mixture being retained in the fire, the combustible sulphur of common metals, acts upon its own proper argent vive, and turns it into dross, which being separated from the metals enters into the porous matter of the cuples, that which doth not happen in tests, fixed in the fire, which that dross being separated from the metals cannot enter into, being made of an earth that is durable in the fire, the dross remaining in them, which otherwise was wont to enter into those cuples that are made of the ashes of bones, or wood. Wherefore by little and little it goes away into the cuple, viz. as much as the fire reduced into a Litharge, or dross, until all the Lead mixed with the Gold and Silver together with other imperfect metals mixed with it go into dross, and hide themselves in the cuple, the pure gold and silver being left in the cuple. For Lead in a plain vessel, feeling the heat from above, but beneath cold, is turned into a Litharge, which if it be in an earthen fixed vessel, the Litharge remains, and goes in a yellow transparent glass at last, if it be not mixed with other metals, as iron, copper, tin; which being mixed therewith, give to the glass a green, red, black, or white colour, according to the quantity of the metallick matter: but in a porous cuple made of ashes, the Litharge, or dross finding pores, enters into the cuple by little and little, and successively, until all the Lead be entred in, which could not be if it were not turned into Litharge. This vulgar trying is therefore nothing else but a transmutation of Lead, with the imperfect metals mixed with it, into dross, which entring into the cuple leaves in the cuple pure gold, and silver, that cannot be turned into dross by reason of their purity.
But perhaps this discourse may seem to thee unprofitable, and superfluous, because this trial of metals is known all the world over: but for answer, I say that it is not superfluous, because many refiners erre, supposing that corporeal Lead together with the imperfect metals that are mixed with it, goes into the cuple, not being yet turned into Litharge, because corporeal Lead is again melted from thence; for whose sake this discourse is not properly ordained, as being those that operate out of use, and custom only without discretion; but rather for their sakes, who do incessantly seek after, and search into the secrets of nature, viz. seeking after that Philosophical tryal, which is known to few, by the help whereof more gold and silver is obtained than by the common way, but it is not to be discovered in this place; for all must not have the knowledge thereof; It is sufficient that I have demonstrated the possibility thereof. Yet know this, if thou knowest how to prepare Lead, Tin, Copper, and Iron, and to fit them for a radical union, viz. that aforesaid water of Saturn, so as they may endure the force of the fire together, thou mayst separate and attract gold, and silver from the aforesaid imperfect metals, and with gain leaving them in the cuple, or else you shall draw little or nothing from thence [See Explicat. Mirac. Mundi.] And if you do intend to try them with Lead after the vulgar way, and bring them into dross, yet you do nothing, because tin and iron abounding with gold and silver, do not remain with the lead in a strong fire, but are lifted up like a skin or dross, by reason of their superfluous sulphur, swimming like fat upon water, without any separation, unless it be tin or iron, which got gold or silver from the mine in their first fusion.
And by this means it falls out sometimes, that some may make a good proof, but out of ignorance, not knowing a reason of their operation, wherefore they cannot do the same again. For if Chymists, and Refiners did consider the matter more profoundly, enquiring the cause, wherefore lead being tryed, deprived of its silver, and melted in a cuple, should yet contain in it self silver, without doubt they would hit upon a good foundation; without which knowledge all their labour in imperfect metals would be in vain. And let this suffice concerning that Philosophical tryal, which is known to few; There is no need of speaking any thing of that vulgar, being every where known, of which Lazarus Ercker wrote plainly and fully.
There is also another proof of minerals, which is without Lead, with Venice, or any other good fusible glass, where one or two ounces of the powdered mineral are mixed with half an ounce of the powdered glass, and being mixed and covered in a crucible, are melted, and poured out; by which means the glass attracts, and dissolves that mineral, and is thereby coloured, which shews what metal is contained in the mine, after which may be made another tryal by Lead, tryal being first made by the first proof. And this is the fittest proof for the hardest minerals, which are even invincible, as are the Lapis hemititis, smiris, granats, talck black and red, and those which abound oftentimes with gold, and silver, which because they cannot be mixed with Lead are not esteemed, but are oftentimes cast away, although they abound with gold and silver, and this because they cannot be tryed, Which being tryed after the aforesaid manner, and consequently the treasures lying therein being discovered, thou mayst afterward with more confidence handle them, and reduce them to better profit. Now those colours which follow, indicate the tenure of them. Glass resembling the greenness of the Sea signifies meer Copper, but the greenness of grass, signifys copper, and iron mixed together: glass of a rusty colour signifys iron: yellowish glass signfys tin, glass of a yellow golden colour, or like a red ruby signifys silver: Blew glass like a saphir signifys pure gold; a smaragdine signifys gold mixed with silver: An Amethyst colour signifys gold, silver, copper, and iron mixed together. Besides these, glass sometimes gets other colours, according to the diversity of the weight of divers metals mixed together; which use will teach with a further practise that is to be made with Saturn.
There is also another precursory tryal of minerals, and metals, which is made with Salt-peter; where especially tin, iron, and copper do largely draw forth their treasures hid in them, which they will not yield being tryed by Lead, the which is not a sign of their poverty, but rather of not a true tryal made by Lead, which is not the true, and genuine judge, and tryer of metals. For otherwise (if it were) it would draw forth their treasure as well out of a greater quantity of metallick matter, as out of a lesser. Now follows the tryal by Nitre: Make a mixture of one part of sulphur, of two parts of pure Tartar, and four parts of purified Nitre, then take an ounce of this mixture, and one dram of the mineral or metal ground small, mix those together, and being put into a crucible, put a red hot iron or burning coal to them, and that mixture will be inflamed, and yield a most vehement fire, reducing that mineral or metal into dross: And what is not brought into dross must again be mixed with the aforesaid mixture, and be burnt as before, until the whole be consumed by the fire. Then make that dross or salt containing in it the metal that is destroyed, to flow so long in a strong crucible, untill it be made glass; which being poured out there are found grains of gold or silver, which came from the mineral or metal that was tryed. And this opperation (if it be well done) will be a pleasant sight, but without profit, because it cannot be done in a great quantity, and by reason of the price of the Nitre. Wherefore I set this way of tryal only for demonstration sake, that it might appear how almost all tin, iron, and copper, contain in them gold and silver, although they do not draw it forth in the Cuple.
Now do not suppose that this is transmutation, which is only separation; wherefore thou must consider with thy self how that may be performed otherwise. But take heed that thou do not kindle this mixture from beneath, being put upon the coals, but from above, by reason of the danger of flashing: Also metals are easily fusible by the following mixture. Take one part of the saw-dust of the wood of the teil-tree being well dryed, two parts of sulphur, eight or nine parts of pure Nitre. Make stratum super stratum in a crusible, and take to 11, or 12. parts of this mixture; one part of the metal subtilly ground, and kindle them, and the mine being melted will yield grains of pure Gold and Silver, if the mine were not too impure, the impurity thereof be consumed by that most vehement fire. And if this tryal be not for thy profit, yet it is rational, and may be for thine instruction.
Of the melting of mines and metals.
The melting of these in a great quantity is not for this place, because they cannot be done by this furnace, but it is treated of plainly enough by others in their writings of minerals.
Of the separation of metals.
This is a most ancient and profitable Art, whereby one metal may be separated from another: And it is for the most part done 4. ways, viz. by Aqua Fortis, by cement, by flux with sulphur, and lead, and lastly by Antimony; which ways that most witty Lazarus Ercker, hath clearly, and distinctly described, whose description is not to be found fault with, although some necessary things may be added thereunto, which being but few, I thought it superfluous to add them in this place.
And that separation consists in three chief metals, Gold, Silver, and Copper; he made no mention of other metals, and two of the aforesaid four ways are in use, as very easie, for they are done with Aqua Fortis and Cement, the two others most commonly neglected, which are done by benefit of melting with Sulphur and Lead; and also by Antimony: that which is admirable, because metals are easier separated by benefit of these two ways, than by Aqua fortis and Cements, suspected of wast, whereas not Sulphur and Antimony, but the ignorant worker, not knowing the nature of Sulphur and Antimony, is rather to be blamed, because he knows not how to order them, and withall leaves the nearer way of separation: and I must needs confess it that without this furnace I would not separate with them, because with that common way of furnaces and bellows, the stink of Sulphur and Antimony hurtful to the Liver, Lungs, Brain, and Heart, is received by the Nostrils to the hazard of health: for which cause I do not wonder that those two wayes requiring greater diligence than those two former by Aqua fortis and Cements are rejected. But this Furnace being known, with which without danger one may melt, I doubt not of excelling the two former ways hereafter as more profitable than them. For he who knows Antimony, may not only easily with small cost separate Gold from the addition without any loss of it, and speedily refine it, but also easier separate gilt silver, than by Sulphur, Lead, &c. in great store without any loss of Gold or Silver.
And this is the easiest way of the separation of Gold and Silver which is done by the benefit of melting, requiring no more charge than the coals; for there is Antimony which hath Gold in it as much as it is worth, which will be the separators gain: I would have you know this, how Antimony may again be separated from Gold and Silver, not by the common way, which is done by bellows, but by the special way of separation wherewith the Antimony is preserved, so that it may be used again for the same purpose; which I will treat of in another place. Besides the four ways spoken of, there is also another way, best of all, by the nitrous spirit of salt, namely after this manner: ℞ the spirit of salt (prepared by our first and second Furnace) acuated with Nitre disolved in it, to which add grain Gold mixed with Silver and Copper; put it in a glass vial in hot sand to dissolve, and the Gold together with the Copper will be dissolved in it, and the Silver left in the bottom of the vial: decant off the solution, to which add something, precipitating Gold, and make them boyl together, and the pure fine gold will be separated and precipitated like the finest meal, serving Writers and Painters; the Copper being left in the water; which thou mayst if thou wilt precipitate from the water, but it is better to take away the water, which will serve again for the same use. If the precipitated Gold be washed and dryed it gives in the melting (by which nothing is lost) the best and purest Gold. For finer gold can neither be made by Aqua fortis nor by Antimony.
Therefore this is the best way of all, not only for the small cost, but also for the easiness yielding the best Gold of all others.
Then take the calcin’d Silver left in the gourd, sweeten and dry it, which done make a little salt of Tartar to melt in a crucible, to which by course put a little of the refined silver with a spoon, and it will be presently made a body without any loss. You may also boyl that Calx as yet moist newly taken out of the gourd with a Lixivium of Salt of Tartar, even to the evaporation of all moisture: and melt the dry remnant, where also nothing is lost. Without this medium the calx of Silver (drawn from Aqua Regia) is not fusible of it self, turning into a brittle matter, like horn that is white, or of a middle colour between white and yellow, called therefore of Chymists the Horn of the Moon; in reducing which many have tried much, which reduction we have already taught. For want of spirit of salt take Aqua Regia made of Aqua Fortis and salt Armoniack, which doth the same, but with greater charges. This also is to be preferred before other ways, which makes to the separation of any Gold of any degree, if so be it exceed Silver in weight; which is necessarily required in the solution made with Aqua Fortis.
But that you may see the prerogative of this separation, mark a little, when you separate by the Quarto and by Aqua fortis you must put just two or three parts of refined Silver to one of course Gold, where first the cost and labour of refining the Silver to be melted and grained with Gold are required: then a good quantity of Aqua fortis to dissolve, precipitate, edulcorate, dry and melt a great deal of silver. Consider then I pray, the labours and charges of my separation and the vulgar. When thou separatest with Cements there is need of boxes, and continual fire of one degree, which labour is tedious for times sake, and costly for coals, which labour you must twice or thrice take in regard of the mixt dross. Now again consider the labour and charges of both separations. When thou separatest by Sulphur and Antimony, which is the best way, without great charges, if thou knowest to separate Gold from Antimony without blowing, but this is tedious because thrice greater labour than our way, tedious indeed by reason of the difficulty of a perfect separation of Gold and Silver from the Antimonial dross. Think therefore what way of separation you will use to refine Gold speedily, surely you will chuse mine.
This way of separation hath also this prerogative, that it hath no need of refined silver which is done by the benefit of burning, but only its granulation, solution or separation by the use of Aqua Fortis, where though copper mixt with silver makes wast, yet by the help of this salt it is soon precipitated. By this means gilt silver is soon separated, the gold being dissolved by the nitrous spirit, and precipitated with the aforesaid matter precipitating. As for the separation of gilt silver which is to be done by help of fusion, and none is easier done than with Sulphur and Antimony, where when the necessary manual (ingredients) are known; a great deal is separated in a short time, but if thou knowest not how to handle Antimony and Sulphur (for which our Furnace very well befits) leave them, and use the common way; therefore lay not thy fault afterward on me, writing for thy good.
Of separating the courser metals.
The manner of separating Tin from Lead, and Copper from Iron, without loss of both metals, by preserving both, hath hitherto been unknown, which seems impossible to me by reason of the combustibility of both metals; and superfluous for the small profit, and saving charges. But how Gold and Silver may be separated from Tin with which commonly this abounds, without any wast, hath been long since sought to no purpose: but a possibility will appear to a serious considerer; and though I never tryed in great quantity, being content with a precipitation made with a little; I am yet perswaded this business will succeed in a great quantity and with much profit; namely by the help of a Furnace made on purpose where gold and silver precipitated with lead and Halb Kopf by extream heat of fire; that tin is extracted to the remanence of the tenth part, which remainder you must peculiarly take and keep. Which done you must precipitate new tin in the foresaid Furnace, and so extract to the remainder of the Regulus, which being extracted from, is to be added to the first and reserved; which labor is to be reiterated, till thou hast a sufficient quantity of Regulus filling the Furnace; which again thou must precipitate; for by this means gold and silver are brought together, so that they may easily afterward be separated from the superfluous tin. By this means I count the separation profitable, where but little substance is lost, which is turned into ashes and smoak. Nor doth adding lead and Halb Kopf hinder, because sometime lead is mixt with tin, and the Halb Kopf is separated again. It is good therefore to separate pots and old dishes, by reason of the mixture of lead, and to precipitate the gold and silver from them, by the adjection of Halb Kopf only, where the residue is no way altered by the Halb Kopf, therefore thou mayst sell it, or refine it again: which in my judgment will be to great advantage.
What is to be held concerning the perfection of Metals.
This knot is scarce soluble, for so many and divers opinions of so many ages, so that most men slighting the testimonies of true Philosophers, will not believe the truth, especially, because scarce one of an hundred can be found who is not impoverisht with this art: the incredulous therefore is not to be blamed for his doubting, no signs of truth appearing, yet experience testifies a possibility by art and nature, though examples are rare. I pray with how great absurdity should one deny Heaven and Hell never seen? But thou saist we must believe this as revealed by God, his Prophets and Apostles; but so is not this, but the Philosophick tradition of Heathens. I answer, though most Philosophers were heathen (yet some have been Christians) yet their works are not to be despised, because not handling our salvation: to whom if CHRIST had Preached, surely they had believed him. For it appears by their books, that they were pious and honest Men; who though not Professors of CHRIST, yet they did His Will indeed, which we, though not in words, in action deny; who if they had been wicked, why took they so much pains in making books for the good and profit of their Neighbour about Vertue and Piety? Why spent they not rather their life time in leisure and pleasure, as is the custom now adaies with them who are appointed to instruct us? Why should they gull posterity with trifles and lyes, expecting from thence no profit? For most of them were not poor, but very rich Kings and Princes. Besides these, there have been many Christians seriously confirming the truth of the Art: Men indeed of special note, namely, Bishops, Doctors, &c. Such were Thomas Aquinas, Albertus Magnus, Lullius, Arnoldus, Roger Bacon, Basil, &c. Why should very pious men deceive posterity with their Works, and lead them into Errors? Although there should not remain the Works of Famous Worthies, yet there would be a plain confirming the truth of this Art. For I am perswaded there are some to be found having this knowledge, and privately possessing it. For who is so mad to reveal himself to the world, to receive nought but envy for his reward? Let no man therefore doubt of this secret Art’s truth. But say you: Why stand you so much for the Art? Did you ever see or perform any thing in it? I reply, though I never made projections to perfect metals, nor saw transmutations; yet I am sure of this, I have often from metals with metals, leaving no gold and silver in the cupel, extracted gold and silver by the help of fire: But I will not have you think that one imperfect metal will perfect another, or turn it into gold or silver, impure and drossy without, in comparison of gold and silver; for how can such metals perfect another imperfect? Which thus understand. For as in the vegetable Kingdom, water cleanseth water, or juice with seething as is wont to be done in purifying honey and sugar, or any other vegetable juice, with common water, and white of eggs: so also you must understand of mineral juices or metal, of which if we know the water and white, surely we might refine the impurity, in which gold and silver lie hid, as in black shales, and powerfully extract gold and silver, which is not a transmutation of metals, but an eduction of gold and silver from the dunghil; Dost thou ask how Gold and Silver can be educed from copper, iron, tin, and lead, to wit, by the help of lotion, out of which none is drawn with that best proof (as ’tis thought) of Cupels? To which we answered before of the proof of Cupels not to be sufficient for all the several metals. I need therefore say no more, but I refer the studious Reader to Paracelsus his Book, the Vexation of Chymists, where thou shalt find another lotion and purification of metals, which heretofore was unknown to Miners and Dealers in Minerals. As for example: A Miner finding the oar of copper, useth his skill delivered by the ancients to his utmost endeavour, whereby he may cleanse it and reduce it to metal: where first he breaks it into pieces, and boyls it, for to take away the superfluous sulphur, then by vertue of melting, he brings it into a stone (so called) which afterward again he commits to fire, and freeth it by the addition of lead, of its gold and silver; which done, he blacks and redens it, turning it into copper, which is his last labour, whereby the copper is made malleable and vendible: which done, the Chymist coming, tries another separation, by whose help gold and silver is extracted, as yet tryed of very few, of which mention is here made. Paracelsus also saith in the same place, that God hath given some an easier way of separating gold and silver from courser metals, and indeed without refining the oar, which is a special and curious Art, which he teacheth not in plain tearms, but only saith it is sufficiently taught in seven rules of that book, where he treats of the nature and propriety of metals; in which you may seek it. And this purification of courser metals I count most easie, which I have often tryed in small quantities: and I doubt not but God hath shewn other Artists also other purifications by which imperfect metals are perfected; for example, if one would purge the fruit of the earth by distillation, so that the dregs and impurities being taken away, it would grow up with a new clear clarified body: as if one distil black and impure Amber by a retort, the separation would be made by Fire, of the water savouring of an Empyreum, of the oyl and volatile salt, and the Caput mortuum be left in the bottom of the retort; by which means, in a very short time without great labour, is made a great alteration and emendation of Amber, though the oyl be black, impure, and stinking: but if it be again distilled by a retort with some mundifying water, as with the spirit of salt (namely through a fresh clean glass retort) there will be made a new separation by that spirit of salt, and a far clearer oyl will be extracted; the dregs with the stink left in the bottom of the retort, which afterward may be twice or thrice rectifyed again with fresh spirit of salt, until it get the clearness of water, and sweetness of sent resembling Amber and musk.
And this transmutation makes of a hard thing, a soft; unlike the former in shape, which though never so soft and liquid, oyly, may again be coagulated, so that it becomes as it was at first, after this manner following. Take the said oyl very well clarifyed, add to it fresh spirit of salt, set it in digestion, and the oyl will attract from the spirit of salt, salt enough for its own recoagulation, and again it acquires the hardness of Amber, of an excellent clear and admirable colour; of which half an ounce is worth more than some pounds of black Amber; of which scarce the eight or tenth part remains in purifying, all the foul superfluities cast away.
By this means I think one may cleanse and mend black metals, if so be the manner of their cleaning were known by distillation, sublimation and recoagulation. But thou say’st that metals cannot like vegetables be purified by force of distillation, to which I present our first furnace not given to peasants, but Chymists, purifying metals; so also the possibility of their perfection is shewn by help of fermentation. For as fresh leaven can ferment the vegetables juices, which are perfected by fermentation, the dregs being cast away as one may see in wine, ale, and other liquors, whose lasting and perfection proceeds from no other thing but fermentation purifying the vegetable juices, without which they could not otherwise withstand the Elements, subject to corruption in a very short time, which fermented last some years: so also if we knew the proper ferment of metals, surely we might refine and perfect them, so that they not being any more subject to rust, would be able to prevail against fire and water, and be nourished and fed by them. For so the world heretofore perished with water, and shall at last perish with fire, and our bodies must rot and be purified by fire before we come to the sight of God. And thus far of the fermentation of metals, wherewith they are amended and perfected. Metals also are purify’d and amended like milk set on the fire; whose cream the better part (the substance of butter) in the top is separation from the whey and cheese, and the hotter the place is, the sooner the separation is made even, so it is with the separation of metals; where metals put into a Fitted hot place by themselves without any addition of another thing (the metals being before reduced to a milky substance or curd) are separated in time, by parting the nobler parts from the ignobler, opening a great treasure: and as in winter time milk is hardly separated with a weak heat; just so metals if not helped with Fire, as one may see in iron, which in a long time under the earth is turned into gold without Art. For often iron oar is found with golden veins very goodly to behold, severed from the course, earthy and crude sulphur, by force of the central heat. And commonly in such oar no vitriol is found, being separated and bettered by its contrary. But a long time is required for that subterraneous separation, which Art very speedily performs; as is wont to be done with milk in winter when we presently make butter of it, when we put it to the Fire to part the cream speedily; which separation is helped by the precipitation made with acid things, mortifying the urinous salt of the milk, by which means all principles are separated by themselves, as butter, cheese, whey: so in a quarter of an hour separation is made by boiling, which else without acid things could not be done in some weeks. If then it be possible in vegetables and animals, why not in minerals? For what but gold and silver is found in lead, iron, tin and copper, though it doth not appear? Why is all goodness denyed to the courser metals granted to vegetables and animals not equal to them for lasting? Whence is the natural perfection of lead, tin, iron, and copper to be proved? Nature ever seeks the perfection of her fruits; but course metals are imperfect; Why then is not nature helped with Art in perfecting them? But the bond of metallick parts is worth observation, which being broken, the parts are separated. Urinous salt (as I may say) is the bond of the parts making milk, as of butter, whey, and cheese, which is to be mortifyed by its contrary acid for separation. But in iron the parts are bound with a vitriolate salt, as with a bond, which is to be mortified with its contrary, urinous or nitrous salt for separation. He therefore who knoweth to take away the superfluous salt of iron, either by moist or dry means, doubtless shall have iron not soon subject to rust.
Fire also hath incredible force of it self in changing metals. Is not steel made iron by force of Fire, and iron of steel by different proceeding? Experience dayly teacheth us also divers kinds of changes and refinings by Fire; why is it not possible in metals by an expert Chymist having skill in them? Who would believe that a live bird lurks in an egg, and an hearb having leaves, flowers, and odour, in the seed? Why may not then abortive metals, getting not yet perfection, be perfected by Art, with help of Fire? Is not an unripe apple or pear ripened by the heat of the Sun? Which some curious and industrious men observing, have imitated nature in their works; and have found some metals not destroyed with the heat of Fire, but enriched with a secret gainful heat; so that melted (digestion being made) they have yielded double weight of gold and silver. Yea I my self have seen the common oar of lead digested after the aforesaid manner, which was not only inriched with silver thereby, but also partaked of gold which it wanted before in ordinary tryal. Besides one might work this in great quantity, as with an hundred pounds; which work of minerals will without doubt bring great profit to the skilful triers of lead: But know this, that not every tryal of lead will be furnished with gold, but the oar to be ever enriched with silver, experience being witness.
Many such things are found in Nature incredible to the ignorant, and those that are unexercised. But if we mortals were more diligent in reading the book written with the hand of God in the pages of the four Elements, surely we should Find more secrets and wonders in them, but skill and wealth is got with sweat of face and not by sloth; therefore labour and pray. Metals are also meliorated by the help of gradation like to germination.
For it is well known, that the shoot or grass of some fruitful garden-tree implanted in a wood, makes that tree afterwards to bear not wild fruits, but very good and sweet like them of the implanted shoot, as one may see in iron dissolved in an acid spirit, fermented with Venus and turned into Copper: by which means doubtless copper is turned into silver, and silver into gold, if the true manner of fermentation were known.
Now this transmutation is like digestion, making beef or horse flesh of grass in the stomach of oxe and horse, and mans flesh of beef, in the stomach of man.
The better parts also are separated from the worser by the attractive strength of the like, as is to be seen in a metal abounding with sulphur, to which if iron be added in fusion, the sulphur deserts its native metal, (by which means it is more purifyed) and joins its self to the iron, with which it hath more affinity and familiarity, than with its own metal; for example, if iron be added to lead oar full of sulphur in the melting, this melted metal is made malleable, which else would be black and brittle. And if something else to be put to the melted malleable metal were known to us, to take away in the melting, the redundant, crude, combustible sulphur, questionless it would yet be made purer; which thing being unknown, metals remain in their impurity. And indeed God hath done well in this as in all other his works, that he hath concealed his knowledge from us: for if it were known to the covetous, they would buy up all lead, tin, copper and iron, to turn into gold, so that rurall and poor Labourers could hardly buy metallick instruments for their use, for the scarcity; but God will not have all metals turned into Gold.
A Similitude of taking away the superfluous sulphur of some metals in fusion, being given to keep the purer parts; so likewise is there another manner of separating, the purer parts from the impure, namely, by the attractive power of the like, where the purer parts are drawn together by their like, the impurer and heterogeneous part is rejected: and that may be shown as well by the moist as dry way; an example of the moist way followeth.
If quick Mercury be added to impure gold or silver dissolved in its proper menstruum, the mercury draws to it self the invisible gold and silver from the Menstruum and mixt impurity and associates what is purest to it self, which separation swiftly succeeds. Mercury performs the same likewise in the dry way: namely, when some earth having some gold and silver, is moistned with acid water, and they are so long bruised together, till the Mercury draws the better part; which done you must wash the dead earth left, with common water, and separate the Mercury being dryed from the attracted gold and silver, by trajecting them through a skin, but the Mercury draws but one metal from the earth, and indeed the best at one time; which being separated, it draws another metal; for example, if in some one earth, gold, silver, copper and iron ly hid, the first time the mercury draws the gold, the second the silver, but copper and iron hardly by reason of their dross, but tin and lead easily, but easiest of all gold by reason of its purity like to mercury.
Another Demonstration by the dry way.
Put under a tile a cuple with lead, to which add a grain of very pure gold, most exactly weighed (for memories sake) make the gold in the cuple to fulmimate, and the lead will enter the cuple, the gold being left pale in the cuple: of which pale colour there is no other cause than the mixture of silver, drawn from the lead by the gold. But thou wilt say, that thou knowest this, that gold fulminated with lead, is made paler and weightier, by reason of the silver in the lead, left with the gold in the trial, augmenting the weight, and thence making it pale: to which I reply, though lead leave some silver in trying in the cuple, mixt with the gold added to it, augmenting its weight, and changing the colour; yet it is proved by the weight, that lead leaves more being mixt with gold in the cuple, than when tryed without gold. Hence it is proved, that gold in the fire draws its like from other metals, augmenting its weight: and this also gold doth in the moist way: for if it be dissolved in its own menstruum, together with copper, and put in digestion, and then separated, it attracts gold from the copper; which labour, though not done with profit, yet witnesseth a possibility. But if the menstruum of gold augmenting the attracting power of gold or multiplying the same were known, but diminishing the retentive power of copper, doubtless some gain were to be expected; and indeed more, if gold and copper, together be melted in fire with the dry mineral menstruum; by which means the weight of gold would be increased according to Paracelsus saying Metals mixt together in a strong fire, continued a pretty while, the imperfection vanisheth and leaves perfection in its place.
Which surely well done, is a work not wanting gain. For I freely confess, that I would sometime incorporate silver with iron, when as gold from iron gave me a good increase of pure gold, instead of fixt silver sought after. And by this means often some not thought on thing happens to Artists, as to my self with fixt silver, not rightly considering the business. Therefore medling with metals, be sure when you find some encrease, to weigh well what it was at first. For many think long trying silver with iron, by the Blood-stone, Load-stone, Emraud, lapis calaminaris, Red-talck, Granats, Antimony, Arsenick, Sulphur, Flints, &c. having mature and immature, volatil and fixt gold in them, finding in the trying good gold; that this gold is made of the silver by the help and use of the foresaid minerals, which is false, For the silver drew that gold out of those minerals, in which before it lurked volatile. Yet I deny not the possibility of changing silver, as being inwardly very like gold, but not by help of cementation with the said minerals, because that gold proceeds not from the silver, but those minerals, attracted by the silver. This labour is compared to seed cast into good ground, where dying, by its own power it draws its like to it self, whence it is multiplyed an hundred fold.
And it behoveth in this work now and then to wet the metallick earth, with proper metallick waters, being dryed up with heat (which operation is called of the Philosophers inceration) else the earth will be barren, and it behoveth that this water be neer in kind to the earth, so that when they are united they yield a certain fatness. For as it appears from sandy dry earth, moistened with rain water, not bringing forth fruit agreeable to its seed, for the small heat also of the Sun consuming the moisture, and burning the seed in the earth, which mixt with cows dung or other, keeps the water so as that it cannot be so soon consumed. By the same reason it is necessary that thy earth and water be mixt, lest thy seed be burnt up. Which work if well handled, it will not be in vain, requiring the exceeding diligence of nourishing the earth with warmth and moisture, when the earth is drown’d with too much moisture, or hath too little, it cannot increase, and this is one of the best labours, with which I draw forth good gold and silver of baser metals, requiring the best vessels, retaining the seed together with its earth, and water in its proper heat. I doubt not but this work also in a greater quantity, may be performed, firmly beleiving that the courser metals, especially lead, the fittest of all not only to be perfected into gold and silver, but also into good medicine: which without question is a Philosophick labour granted from God, as a great comfort to the Chymist, but warily to be used. For that all and singular Gods gifts he will not have common: as indeed I have found, when I had invented a very excellent work, that I shewing it to a friend, neither could I afterwards teach it to him, nor do it again for my self. Therefore indeed justly men are doubtful in writing such matters: for many seek with idleness to get the inventions of others, performed with great costs and labour. Therefore it is safer to be silent and give leave to seek, than to publish secrets, that they may undergo the pains and charges to be born in inventing high matters; nor any more hereafter may the ingrateful so impudently gape after others Labours. Therefore I would entreat all men both of high and low degree, that they would not molest and tire me hereafter with their Petitions and Epistles, and that they would not turn my good will of benefiting others to the ruin of my self, but be contented with my writings published for the profit of my neighbour. Nor do you think that I possess and promise golden mountains. For what I have written, I have writ to discover nature, in these discourses of the perfection of course metals in small quantity; For I never made trial in a great quantity, trying truth and possibility in a lesser only, in small crucibles: therefore those things which I have writ are written to that end that the possibility of the Art, may appear, of perfect metals to be wrought out of Imperfect, therefore he who hath occasion may make trial in a greater quantity: but as for my part wanting opportunity, I expect Gods blessing, whereby upon occasion I may make tryal in a greater quantity, and so receive the fruit of my labour and great charges.
Also metallick bodies are transmuted by another means, namely by the benefit of a tinging metallick spirit, as one may see in aurum fulminans, sometimes kindled upon a smooth clean metallick plate, fixing a very deep golden tincture upon the plate, so that it may bear the Touch-stone. The same also happens in the moist way, where plated metals put into a gradatory spirit made of Nitre, and certain minerals, being pierc’t by the spirit, obtain another kind agreeing to the spirit. But if one doubt of the metallick gradation, made with aurum fulminans; he may try the certainty from the often fireing of fresh aurum fulminans, upon the same plate; for he shall see that it is not the colour of the metal, and outwardly gilded, but deeply tinged. Likewise one may try the certainty by a humid spirit, if the transformed metals are tryed, whence the mutual action and passion of subtilized spirits plainly appears, for the power of spirits is very great, and incredible to one not exercised; and this gradation of inferiour metals, Philosophers both ancient and modern, doe not only confirm, but also diggers of minerals taught by experience, that mineral vapours by penetration change courser into purer metals, Lazarus Ercker being witness, that iron is changed into a good natural copper in green salt waters, & that he saw a pit, in which iron nailes and other things cast in, by the penetration of a cupreous spirit were turned into a good copper. I do not deny that metallick dissolutions of some metals do stick precipitated to the plates, and to make them of a golden, silver, or cupreous colour; for it is well known, that iron cast into a vitriol water not to be turned into copper, but to draw copper out of the water, of which thing we treat not here, confirming the possibility of metallick transmutations by a tinging and piercing spirit; therefore I again maintain that great power is in metallick spirits; look only upon course and opake earth, and besides that clear and limpid water with which the clearer and more powerful air proceeding from the water cometh from the earth. Are not whole Countries drownded with water, sometimes Towns and Cities taken away? Cannot the air destroy the strongest Houses; especially shut up in the Earth, shake the Land for some miles, and afterward demolish whole Cities and Mountains with the death of Men? all which things are done naturally. Wind artificially raised by Nitre threatens a far greater danger, which no man can deny. Although that corporeal Elements exercise so great power, yet they cannot pierce metals without hurt, nor stones and glass, and things soon penetrated by fire. Therefore not by an occult but a manifest power of Sun and Fire, which it hath over metals, stones and glass, which are easily pierc’t by them without any impediment: and why should not metals compact of a certain metallick subtile and piercing spirit be penetrated by help of fire, and changed into another species? As is already spoken of Aurum fulminans and aqua gradatoria. Therefore there is no doubt of the possibility of the metallick tingent spirit changing courser metals into finer, both by the dry and moist way; For Metals may be purified the same way as Tartar and Vitriol, and other salts, namely by the benefit of much water. For it is manifest that vitriol is purged with iron and copper mixt with it, namely dissolved and coagulated in much water, so that it waxes as white as allom; which purification is but a separation of the metal from the salt, made by the benefit of much water debilitating the salt, so that it cannot longer retain the mixt metal, which is precipitated like some slime, not unprofitable, because the chiefest part of the vitriol, from which is the greenness, viz. Copper, Iron, and Sulphur. And as by help of separation metals are drawn from vitriol, more perfect than salts; so also it is with metals when the perfecter and better part is separated by help of precipitation: as for Tartar, it is purified by the addition of water, but its better part is not precipitated as in vitriol, but the courser part which is its blackness and fæculency. As for example; Common Tartar by the often solution (made with a sufficient quantity of water) and coagulation is made very pure and white, because in every solution made with fresh clear water, it always becomes purer; and not only by this means white Tartar, but also red and feculent, is reduced into transparent crystals, and indeed very speedily by vertue of a certain precipitation; whose limosity is the cause of the obscurity of the crystalline salt of tartar, and is nothing else but an unsavory thing, dead and useless, mixt with the tartar in its coagulation in Hogs-heads of Wine, and separated again by power of solution.
And these examples of the two salts of Vitriol and Tartar, are not in vain set down, because they shew the difference in precipitation: For in some Metals, by force of precipitation, the courser part is separated; but in other, the better and choicer, according to the prevalency of this or that part.
In Vitriol, the better part (Copper and Iron) is the least, which is precipitated and separated from the courser and greater part, viz. Salt; But, in Tartar, the courser and less part is precipitated and separated from the greater and better part clarify’d: The like is in Metals. Therefore, let every one be wary in separating; and consider before, whether the better or courser part of the Metal is to be precipitated; without which Knowledge, no Man can meddle with this Business. Let also the Workman be ware, who expects any profit from his labour, of Corrosive Waters; as Aqua fortis, Aqua Regia, Spirit of Salt, Vitriol, Allom, Vinegar, &c. in the Solution from which no Good proceeds, as utterly destroying and corrupting all and each of them; proving the same in these words, From Metals, by Metals, and with Metals, Metals are made perfect. Metals are also purified, maturated and separated from their Vices, by Nitre burning up the superfluous Sulphur.
And all the aforesaid perfections of metals are but particular. For every particular medicine, as well humane, as metallick, purgeth, separateth and perfecteth or amendeth by the taking away the superfluity. For a universal medicine worketh its perfections and emendations, by strengthening and multiplying the radical moisture as well of animals as metals, expelling its enemy by its own natural vertue. But thou sayst excellent examples indeed are delivered by me, but not the manner of doing them. R. I have delivered more then you think, although you don’t perceive it: for I am sure after my death that my books will be in greater esteem, from which it will appear that I have not sought vain glory, but the profit of my neighbour to the utmost of my power. But do not, seeing my freeness of writing, think that you may wrest many things from me. For assure your self, that although I have written many things for the publick good, yet I intend not by this means to trouble my self. For I cannot satisfy the desires of all men, nor answer their Epistles, nor inrich all men, who neither am rich my self, nor have sought riches. For although I have gotten the knowledge of these things by Gods blessing, and have tryed the truth of it in small quantity, yet have I never made experience in great store for wealth sake, being contented with Gods blessing.
And let this suffice concerning the several purifications of metals according to my experience; as for that universal medicine so famous, I cannot judge of it, being a thing unknown to me; but the possibility thereof I am forc’t to affirm, being moved with the several transmutations of metals; which being unknown, it behoves us to be contented with that favour which God hath bestowed on us. For oftentimes questionless it is better to know little, for Eternal Salvations sake; for most commonly wealth and learning puff up. And pride brings to the Devil the Author of it, from whence God of his mercy preserve us.
Of the Philosophers Stone.
I have undergon much charge and labour for many years, to extract the tincture or anima of gold, for a medicine to be made therewith, which at length I have obtained, where I have observed the remainder of the gold, the soul or better part being extracted to be no more gold, nor longer to endure fire. Whence I conjectured, that such an extraction being fixt again, can perfect courser metals and turn them to gold: But I could not hitherto try the truth of my conceived opinion living at this time in a forraign place; therefore against my will, although greedy of novelty, I have been forc’t to abstain from the work. In the mean time considering the opinions of the Philosophers concerning their gold, not the vulgar, asserting the universal medicine to be prepared therewith. I have again affused a certain Philosophical Vinegar to Copper for to extract the tincture, where almost all the Copper like whitish earth is separated from the tincture in digestion, which earth by no Art I could again reduce into a metallick body.
Which experiment again confirmed me of a possibility of this Medicine. Which labour though I never followed, yet I doubt not but an humane medicine, though not also a metallick is attainable thence by a diligent workman. The soul therefore with all the metallick attributes, consisting in so small a quantity, which is scarce the hundredth part of the weight, which being extracted and separated, the remaining body is no more a metal, but a useless and dead earth; but it is not to be doubted but being fixt again, it may reassume and perfect another metallick body. Therefore I am confidently perswaded by the aforesaid Reasons, that such a medicine is to be made of mineral and metallick things, viz. in the flowing, changing baser metals into better. But do not think that I writing these things make gold or copper the matter of this medicine, which I do not hold, well knowing that there are other subjects easily to be handled, abounding with tinctures.
So thou hast heard now my opinion of the Universal Medicine, which my experience in Gold, Copper, and other Minerals and Metals hath caused: which I will not preach for Gospel, because it is human to erre.
Therefore no certainty is to be had, before its final and compleat perfection, and indeed once or twice tryed for certainties sake. For an excellent way once found out, cannot alwaies be often repeated, which happens doubtless as well to others as to me. Therefore we must not triumph before the Victory; for unthought on impediments may frustrate Hope: but God is rather to be implored in our labours, that he would be pleased to bless our endeavours, that we may use well his gifts in this life as good stewards, and afterward bestow the free reward of our labours, watchings, and cares on us sinners, namely, everlasting Rest and Salvation out of his meer Mercy.
Whether Minerals, as Antimony, Arsenic, Orpin, Cobolt, Zinc, Sulphur, =&c.= may be transmuted into metals, and into what?
It is long since debated among Chymists, whether the aforesaid Minerals proceed from the same principles with Metals, and whether to be counted Metals; in which Controversy they have not agreed to this day, when as one approves that which another denies, so that a student of Chymistry knows not to what side he had best assent.
But this knowledge not a little helping, concerning the purifying of metals, I would put my opinion also grounded upon experience, for the satisfying the doubtful, the simplicity of them is strange who hold not one and the same beginning to be of minerals and metals, saying, if metals might be made by nature, of minerals surely it had long since been done; but it never was, experience witnessing; for remaining minerals, they are never transplanted into metals. I Answer, metals grow one way, also vegetables another, soon budding, and again soon dying; but it is not so with metals; for all lasting things have long time of digestion, according to the saying, That which is soon made, doth soon fade; this is to be understood not only of vegetables and minerals, but also of animals, as appears from the budding of some vegetables, coming in six Months space to their perfection, and then again perishing: when as things requiring longer time of digestion and perfection are much more lasting. A Mushroom in the space of one or two nights grows out of rotten wood, again soon vanishing: not so the Oke. Oxen, and Horses in the space of two or three year come to perfection, scarce living the twentyeth, or twenty-fourth year: but a Man requiring twenty four years to his perfection, lives sixty, eighty, or an hundred years. So also we must conceive of lasting metals requiring many ages, and also very long time of digestion and perfection; metals therefore requiring a very long time of digestion to their perfection, it is granted to no man ever to see the beginning, and end of them; the transplantation of minerals into metals by nature cannot be denyed; especially, because that in the oars of metals, especially of course ones, minerals are also found; wherefore diggers of minerals, when they find them, conceive good hopes of finding metals, of which they are termed the Coverlids, for seldom metals are found without minerals, or minerals without metals; nor also are ever minerals found wanting gold or silver; therefore minerals are properly termed the Embryo of Metals; because by art and fire a good part of gold and silver is drawn out of them by fusion; which if they do not proceed from the metallick roots, whence proceeds that gold and silver? For an Ox is not born of an Infant, nor a man of a Calf; for alwaies like is produced of its like.
Therefore minerals are counted but unripe fruits in respect of metals, not yet obtaining their ripeness and perfection, nor separated from the superfluous earth; for how should a bird be hatcht of an egg by an heat, not predestined for the generation of a bird? For so we must understand of minerals, which if they be deprived of their metallick nature, how should by fire metals be produced from thence? But thou saist that thou never sawest the production of perfect metals out of courser; therefore that it is neither likely, nor credible to thee, to whom many things as yet lye hid, as from most men, perversly and foolishly denying things unknown; for daily experience witnesseth, that the viler minerals and metals by taking away the superfluous sulphur (however it be done) obtain a greater degree of perfection, therefore should not thy heart believe, and thy tongue speak what thou seest with thine eyes? For experience shews that good gold and silver might be drawn out by art almost out of all course minerals and metals, yet more out of some than of others, and speedier; for there is not that dark night, that is altogether depriv’d of light, which may not be manifested by a hollow glass; nor is there an element (though never so pure) not mixt with other elements, nor any malignity depriv’d of all good, or on the contrary. And as it is possible to gather the hidden beams of the Sun in the aire, so also hidden perfect metals dispersed in imperfect metals, and minerals by fire, and an expert Artist: if once they are placed in fire with their proper solvents, where the homogeneous parts are gathered, and the heterogeneous separated; so that there is no need to go into the Indies to seek gold and silver in those new Islands, which is possible to find plentifully here in Germany, if so be the merciful God would please to turn away those present cruel Plagues, and bring them out of old metals, viz. Lead, Iron, Tin, and Copper, there left by the Dealers in minerals; indeed without the culture of minerals. Let no man therefore judge himself to be poor, because he is only poor and in want (although otherwise very rich and abounding in wealth, which yet in a moment he is forc’t to forsake) that being ungrateful, neither knoweth nor acknowledgeth God in his Works.
What I pray is in less esteem in the world, than old Iron and Lead, which are acceptable to the wise to use in the Lotion of Copper and Tin with the mineral White? But how they are to be washed, is a difficulty to the unexercised in the fire, and shall be delivered by similitudes: You see Antimony fresh digged out of the earth, very black and impure; which by fusion separated from its superfluity (which, though nature gave to it not in vain, but as an help to its purification, according to that: GOD and Nature do nothing in vain) is made more pure, and endowed with a body nearer to metals than its mineral, which if afterwards melted with salt of Tartar, the crude and combustible sulphur is mortified thereby, and is turned into dross, and separated from the pure mercurial part, so that hereby is made a new and fresh separation of the parts, of which one portion being white and brittle, sinks to the bottom, the other lighter, to wit, the combustible sulphur is on the top with the salt of Tartar; which poured out into a Cone, when they are cold, may be separated with the hammer; the inferior part of which is called by the Chymists Regulus, which is purer than Antimony cast the first time out of its mineral; and this is the usual purging of Antimony used by Chymists; to which (Regulus) if afterward any thing should be added, for a third purification, without doubt it would not only be made purer but more fixt and malleable. For if white Regulus be preparable out of black Antimony, why not as well malleable metal out of the Regulus.
Another way of separating the superfluous Antimonial Sulphur,
℞ Antimony powdred one part, Salt-peter half as much, mingle them, and kindle the mixture with a live coal, and let that Antimonial sulphur, with the nitre be burnt up, the darkish mass being left, to wit, of a brown colour; which melted for the space of an hour in a strong fire yeilds an Antimony like to that which is made with salt of Tartar, but somewhat less in quantity: in like manner the parts of Antimony are separated, viz. if Antimony, Nitre, and crude Tartar be mingled in an equal weight, and being mixt are kindled and melted. There is also another separation of the Antimonial parts; when of small bits of Iron one part is pat into a strong crucible, in a wind Furnace, to which being red hot, cast two parts of ground Antimony, for fusion, and the superfluous combustible sulphur will forsake the Antimony, and joyn to the Iron, a metal more amicable to it; mixt with which, it forsaketh its own proper pure Mercury, and sulphur or Regulus, which is almost the half part of the Antimony.
And these four ways, by which the superfluous combustible sulphur of Antimony is separated are most common, not set down as secrets, but for demonstration sake, that it may appear how sulphureous minerals are, to be perfected and purified, which are little amended; yet shewing a better way not only for Antimony, but also for Arsenick and Orpin, although these two cannot be so done with Iron, Nitre and Tartar, by reason of their volatility; but with Oyl, or other fat things in close crucibles, giving a Regulus like to the Antimonial; and these Reguli make Tin hard, to sound and be compact; if to one pound one ounce be added in fusion, for making good houshold stuff. And in tryal they give good Gold.
And as it is said of purging Antimony, so also it is to be understood of the rest, as Wismuth, Zinck; Lapis calaminaris, Lead, Tin, Iron and Copper, to be purged from their superfluous sulphur, if thou wilt draw more perfect metals, viz. Gold and Silver out of them with gain. And so I make an end of metallick lotions; recommending to Chymists, Nitre, Tartar, Flints and Lead; for who knoweth to use them, shall not lose his labour in Chymistry; but ’tis to be lamented, that every where good earth and fixt in the fire, is not to be gotten, retaining Lead and Salts; for without our old Saturn little or nothing can be done in refining metals; therefore who goes to try any thing in this Art, let him seek the best earth retaining Lead twentyfour hours space; afterward let him consult with Tin, what Vulcan has to be done with Iron; who will tell him what he must suffer, before he obtain the Crown.
Of the tincture of Sol and Antimony.
Sometimes an alteration happens to mans body, from the attraction of mineral vapors (which cannot be done by my Furnace) in the tryal; therefore here I will set down a certain medicine for the Workmans sake, as well for preserving as curing, namely, a clear rubin fixt, and soluble of Gold and Antimony. Take of pure Gold half an ounce, dissolve it in Aqua Regia; precipitate the solution with liquor of Flints, as before is said in the Second part; edulcorate and dry the calx, and it will be prepared; take Regulus Martis (of which is spoken a little before) beaten fine, to which mix three parts of the purest Nitre; place the mixture in the crucible between burning coals, putting to fire by degrees: which done make a stronger, viz. for fusion; for then the Mass will be made purple; which taken forth and cooled grind very small, of which take three or four parts and mix with one part of the aforesaid golden calx; place it mixed in a strong crucible covered over in the aforesaid winde Furnace, and make the mass to flow together like metal, and it will assume the Antimonial Nitre in the fusion, and will dissolve the Gold or the calx of Gold, and a mass of an Amethyst colour will be made therewith, which so long leave in the fire, till it get the clearness of a Ruby, which one may try with a clean wire or iron bowed and put therein, although the mean time the mass deprived of fusibility, is thickened; it is meet to add some Nitre or Tartar, for speeding fusion, and that as often as shall be needful. Lastly, pour the mass, when it shall come to the utmost redness of a Ruby, hot into a clean copper morter, which there leave until it cool, and it will be in colour very like to an Oriential Ruby; then bruise it hot into powder, for taking air it would melt, and extract the tincture by the affusion of the spirit of Wine in a Vial, and the Gold together with the Antimony will remain very white like the finest Talc, to be washed with clear water, in a glass, edulcorated and dryed; which melted with a stronger fire, gives a Yellow glass, in which no Gold appears, yet separable by way of precipitation with the filings of Iron and Copper, from which it recovers its ancient colour, but without profit, by reason of the wast, the tinged spirit is to be taken away from the tincture, which is a very soveraign medicine in many grievous diseases.
Although thou mayest suspect this not to be the simple tincture of Sol, but of Nitre and Tartar mixt, be sure that the quantity of Nitre added not to exceed; and suppose that tincture of Tartar and Nitre, I pray what waste is there? since that is so good a medicine by it self, & I am perswaded, this tincture of sol to be better than those set down in the Second part. That Ruby may be so used by it self with proper vehicles, seeing it is a soveraign medicine of it self; or else exposed to the air and resolved to a liquor; for the medicine is no less than a tincture, because the Gold in it, and the purer part of Antimony are made potable without corrosives. Wonderful is the power of salts in metals to be destroyed, perfected and changed by fusion; for it happened to me one time making this Ruby, placeing two other crucibles also with metals, by this containing gold with the prepared Regulus of Antimony (for easily two or three, or more crucibles may be placed in this furnace, to be ruled with one fire, which cannot be done in a common furnace by that means) about to put in a certain salt into the crucible next to the crucible of gold, that by a mistake I cast it into the crucible with gold only, whence so great a conflict arose, that there was danger of boyling over; therefore forced to remove it out of the furnace presently with tongs, and to effuse it, supposing that the Ruby was left by my rash putting in of salt; therefore I would only save the gold. And I found the effused mass red like blood, purer than a Ruby, but no Gold; but white grains like Lead dispersed here and there in the salts, by reason of their smalness, not separable but by the solution of the salts, which being separated by the solution of water from the red tincture like blood, remained in the bottom of the glass, which afterward for fusions sake I placed in a new crucible in that furnace, but willing to try the fusion, I found the crucible empty, and all the Gold vanished, a little excepted sticking on the top to the crucible and the cover, which I took away and melted for experience sake in a new close crucible, but all of it presently feeling heat flew away like Arsnick, no sign being left in the crucible; and so I was deprived of my Gold.
At length I took the red solution, and abstracted the water from the salts, and I found the salt red like blood, which I put in a clean crucible in the furnace for to try whether any metallick body might thence be extracted; but I found the effused salt deprived of all tincture and redness, which seems strange to me even to this day, that by help of this salt the whole substance of gold, viz. the tincture together with the remainder flew away, having so great volatility.
Which labour afterward I would reiterate, but it happened not so at all as at the first time; there was indeed some alteration of the gold made, but its volatilization was not so great, the cause of which thing, I think was the ignorance of the weight of the aforesaid salt, cast in at the first time against my will.
And two reasons chiefly moved me to insert this history, First, that it may appear how soon one may mistake in a small thing frustrating the whole process. Secondly, That the truth of the Philosophers may appear writing that gold by art is reducible into a lower degree, equal to lead (which happened to me in this work) and that it is harder to destroy gold and make it like to an Imperfect metal, than to transmute an imperfect metal into gold; therefore I am glad in my heart that I saw such an experiment; of which thing our phantastick Philosophers will hear nothing, writing whole volumes against the truth, stifly affirming, gold to be incorruptible, which is an arrant lye; for I can shew the contrary (if need be) many ways. I wonder indeed what moves such men to slight a thing unknown, I do not use to judg things unknown to me.
How dare they deny the transmutation of metals, knowing not how to use coals and tongs? truly I confess those rude and circumforaneous Mountebanks, not a little to defile and disgrace true Chymistry, every where cheating men by their fraud, being needy and opprest with penury; unless peradventure they find some credulous rich man giving them food and raiment for the conceived hope of Gain and Skill, of which also some being furnisht with gold, go clad like painted Parrots, whom I judg to be hated worse than a Dog or a Snake; but innocent Chymistry is not therefore to be despised. Some covetous men besotted with folly and madness, laying out their moneys with an uncertain hope of gain, who afterward the thing ill succeeding, are forced to live in poverty, whose case is not to be pityed, destroying their money out of covetousness. Some seek wealth not out of covetousness, but rather that they may have wherewith to live, and may search nature, which are to be excused if they are deceived by knaves, yet not to be praised if they spend above their ability.
Another tincture and medicine of Gold.
Dissolve gold in Aqua Regia, being dissolved, precipitate it with liquor of the salt of flints, pour some more of the aforesaid liquor to the precipitated gold, then place them in sand to boyl for some hours space, and the liquor of flints will extract the tincture of the gold, and be dyed with a purple colour, to which, pour rain water, and make it to boyl together with that purple liquor, and the flint will be precipitated, the tincture of an excellent colour with the salt of Tartar left; from which it is necessary to extract the water even to driness, and a very fine salt of a purple colour will remain in the bottom of the glass, out of which with the spirit of wine, may be drawn a tincture as red as blood, little inferior in vertue to potable gold; for many things lie hid in the purple salt, of which more things might be spoken if occasion permitted; therefore let it suffice to shew the way of destroying gold, for that golden salt may in a very short time, viz. an hour, be perfected with small labour and transmuted into a wonder of nature; confuting the slanders of the noble Art of Alchimy; for which gift we ought to give immortal thanks to the immortal God.
Of Looking-glasses.
I have made mention in the treatise of Aurum potabile, not only of the material heat of fire, but also of turning the finest beams of the Sun into a material bodily substance, by help of certain instruments by which they are collected. I have also mentioned there a concave Glass, whose preparation I will here give, it being not known to all men, the best that I know is as followeth. First, patterns are to be made of the best matter, namely, hair and Potters clay, of which thing in the Fifth part, conformable to the glasses, in form and figure circularly round; for else they cannot gather the Sun-beams together, and again put them forth; the fault of which thing is to be ascribed only to the pattern or mold; for the fusion and polishing of glasses is no singular Art, being known even to Bell-founders, but to melt them when very well shap’t of the best matter and rightly to polish them, this is Art: and first to cut the patterns round, being very well shaped by the use of a sharp Iron Instrument cannot briefly be demonstrated; therefore I will send the Reader to Authors prolixly handling this thing, viz. Archimedes and Johan. Baptist. Porta, and others; but if thou wantest those Authors, or dost not understand them, see thou have a Globe exactly turned for making the Molds as followeth: first make a mixture of meal and sifted ashes, which spread equally between two boards, as the manner is to spread past made of Flower and Butter for Pyes and Tarts, answering in thickness to the glass to be shaped, then with a Compass make a circle as big a you please, which cut with a knife, and put it on the Globe, and sprinkle quick lime on it out of a searce or sive, and put clay well prepared with haire over it of the thickness of two fingers breadth; and if it be a great piece you must impose cross wires strengthning the Mold, least it be bent or broken. Afterward one part being hardned with the heat of the Sun or fire, take away all that from the Globe, and put it on some hollow thing, on which it may on all sides stand well, and also sprinkle quick lime or the powder of coals on the other side, and put upon this the other part of the pattern, and again expose it by degrees, to be dryed by the heat of Sun or fire, lest it crack; which done, take away the ends making those parts of the Mold or pattern from the inward or middle, which ends set one against another to the inward parts, the distance at least of a hands breadth, and put between in the top a few live coals to harden the Mold all over; to which put on other coals, and then more, and so by degrees even to the top, that they may be well kindled in their lighter parts; but if the Molds are very thick, one fire will not suffice, but it will be necessary to add more coals, until they be throughly kindled in the inner parts; afterward, let the fire go out by degrees, that the types may grow cold, but not altogether, but so that you may touch them; and presently besmear finely the sifted ashes mixt with water, with a pencil, to stop up the chincks arisen from the burning the hair, and for smoothing the types; then again make both parts (after thou hast first framed a hole in them for a Tunnel) clean, being wary lest any foul thing fall upon them; and carefully bind them together with iron or copper wier; and very well lute over the joining with clay prepared with hair; and put on an earthen Tunnel, and place the Mold in dry sand up to the top: And thou oughtest in the mean while thou burnest and preparest the Mold, to melt the metallick mixture, that it may be poured into the hot Mold, the Metal being well melted, cast in a bit of searcloath, which burning, pour out the melted Metal into the hot Mold, being wary lest coals or some other thing fall into the crucible, and be poured with the Metal into the Mold, spoiling the glass; then let the glass cool of it self in the Mold, if the matter do not moulder in the cooling: And if it should moulder in the cooling, which indeed would lessen it, it behoves that the cast glass be presently taken out of the Mold, and covered over with a hot earthen or iron vessel, that it may cool under it, which otherwise, cooling shut up in the Mold not being able to moulder, is broke in pieces, but a little below you shall perceive, what be those mouldering metals.
And this is the common way (and the best) of melting, if so be thou art exercised; there are also other ways; first, when molds are made of wood or lead, agreeing to the glass, to be impressed with sand, or the finest powder of tyles or other earth, as is the custome of copper-smiths; and this way only serveth for lesser glasses.
The third way which is the best of all, but hardest to one not exercised, is as follows; make a waxen Mold with a Cylinder to be placed between two boards, as is aforesaid of the first way, which put upon the globe for to shape it, and let it be hardned in the cold; then take it away, and spread over it the following mixture with a pencil; which see that it be dryed in the shadow, then apply potters clay, prepared with hair, the thickness of one or two fingers breadth; then take away the wax in manner following from the earth: make a round hole in the earthen mold with a knife, coming even to the wax; which done, place it near a coal fire, the mold being bending down, and the melted wax will run through the hole, into which pour the hot (not burnt) metal, &c. that liniment which is anoynted on the wax must be very well prepared least while the wax melt, it fall and melt away with the wax, nor let the wax pierce the earthen mold and spoil it. Now the liniment follows: Burn potters clay well washt in a Furnace even to redness; afterward grind it and take away its finest part with washing of water, so that you may have an impalpable powder, which dry, and again burn with a strong fire: after grind it with rain water and salt Armoniack sublimed, upon a stone, as Painters use to prepare their colours, bring it to the just consistence of a paint, and the mixture will be made; the salt Armoniack keeps that fine powder, lest it melt away with the wax: and the prepared earth makes a tender and fine fusion.
The metallick mixture for the matter of the Looking-Glass.
There are divers of these mixtures, of which one is alwaies better than the other, which by how much ’tis the harder, by so much the glass is the better; and by how much the harder the metal is, by so much the better it is polisht; nor doth the hardness of the mixture suffice, but its whiteness is also required: for red proceeds from too much copper; black from too much iron, or duskie from too much tin, and doth not make the true representations of things, but changeth the shape and colour of them: for example sake, too much copper rendereth the Species redder than they are to be, and so of the rest; let therefore the metallick mixture be very white; but if burning glasses are to be made, it is no matter what colour it be of, if so be that the mixture be hard. I will set down one of the best, ℞. of Copper plates the thinest beaten to pieces one part, of white Arsnick a quarter part; first moisten the plates with the liquor of the salt of Tartar, and make a Stratum super Stratum, with plates and Arsnick powdred, by sprinkling this on them, until the crucible be filled; to which pour the oyl of Linseed, as much as sufficeth to cover the copper and Arsnick; which done put on the cover with the best lute, then place the crucible (the lute being dryed) in sand, so that only the upper part of the cover may stick out and administer fire by degrees, at first little; secondly somewhat stronger, till at length it be hot, that all the oyl may evaporate; in the mean time, the oyl will prepare the copper, and retain the Arsnick, and will make it enter into the plates, like oyl piercing dry Leather: Or place the crucible upon a grate and put Fire to it, which administer by degrees, until the oyl evaporate in the boyling. Lastly, when it shall coole, break the crucible, and thou shalt find the copper of diverse colours, especially if thou shalt take Orpin in stead of Arsenick, and twice or thrice increased in magnitude, and brittle.
R. of this copper one part, and of latton [Orichalcum] two parts, melt it with a very quick Fire, and first indeed the latton, to which afterward add the friable copper; pour out the mixture melted and thou shalt have a very hard metal unfileable, yet not so brittle, but like steel, of which diverse things may be formed serving in stead of iron and steel instruments; take of this hard metal three parts of the best tin without lead one part, melt and effuse it, and the matter of looking-glasses will be made. This mixture is a hard white metal making the best looking glasses, but if this labor seem tedious, take of copper three parts, of tin one part, of white Arsenick half a part for the matter of looking-glasses, which are fine but brittle, as well in the melting as polishing, therefore carefully to be handled. I must here set down a thing worthy to be observed, and known to few; viz.: a false opinion of many, especially of those who attribute knowledge to themselves of the proprieties of metals. In the second part (of subtile spirits) mention is made of the pores of metals, for experience witnesseth, that those subtile spirits as of harts-horn, tartar, soot, and sometimes those sulphureous ones of salts and metals do evaporate through pewter vessels, which at the first hearing every man cannot conceive, for whose sake this discourse is made. Make two balls of Copper, and two of pure Tin not mixt with lead, of one and the same form and quantity, the weight of which balls observe exactly, which done, again melt the aforesaid balls or bullets into one, and first the copper, to which melted add the Tin, lest much Tin evaporate in the melting; & presently pour out the mixture melted into the mold of the first balls, and there will not come forth four nor scarce three balls, the weight of the four balls being reserved; if then metals are not porous, whence I pray doth that great alteration of quantity proceed? therefore know that metals are porous more or less; gold hath the fewest pores, silver hath more, Mercury more than that, Lead more than Mercury, Copper more than Lead, and Iron than copper, but tin hath most of all.
If we could destroy metals, and again educe them destroyed from power to act, surely they would not be so porous. And as a child without correction is unapt to any goodness, but corrected is endued with all kind of vertue and learning, so also we must understand of metals which left in their natural state, namely drawn out of the earth without correction and emendation remain volatile, but corrupted and regenerated are made more noble, even as our bodies destroyed and corrupted, at length shall arise clarified before they come into Gods sight. Well said Paracelsus, that if in one hour metals were destroyed an hundred times, yet they could not be without a body, reassuming a new species and indeed a better, for it is rightly said, Unius corruptio, alterius generatio; for the mortification of a superfluous sulphureous body is the regeneration of the Mercurial soul, for without a destruction of metals perfection cannot be; therefore metals are to be destroyed and made formless, that thereby the superfluous earthy combustible sulphur being separated, the pure fine Mercurial species may spring forth. Of which thing more, when we Speak of Artificial stones.
Of the smoothing and polishing of looking-glasses
A looking-glass, though it be very exactly melted and proportioned, yet is of no value if not rightly polished and smoothed; for easily in the smoothing any part it may suffer some dammage hurtful to it, and it is necessary to take from them first, the grosser part by the wheel, as the custom is with Pewterers and Copper-smiths with a sandy stone, then to apply to them a finer stone with water, until they are sufficiently smoothed by grinding; which done, the looking glasses are again to be taken from the wheel and to be moved to the small wooden wheel covered with leather, rubbed over with a fine prepared glazing stone until the crevises contracted in the turning no more appear, having got a cross line, afterward another small wheel covered with leather is required, to which a bloodstone prepared and washt with the ashes of tin rubbed on, to which likewise by the aforesaid means, according to the same line, the looking-glasses are so long to be moved till they get a sufficient fineness and brightness. You must keep such looking-glasses from the moist air, and breathing, and to wipe them when infected with air and breathing not with any woolen or linnen cloth, but with a Goats or Harts skin, and not any way, but according to the cross line, with which the looking-glasses are smoothed. They may also be smoothed by lead artificially melted, by first rubing them with a smiris and water, and then with a finer smiris and lead; lastly with a blood stone and ashes of tin: likewise also with whetstones, by changing for a finer every time, whence at length also they acquire a splendour by the ashes of tin.
Also the outward part of the looking-glasses (convex) may be smoothed, which represents the species short, and spreads the dispersed rays: but the inward part (hollow) gathers and multiplies, and puts forth or exposeth the Image.
Let these things suffice concerning the melting of looking glasses, & polishing requisites, for the collection of the Sun beams, and although from the aforesaid mixture other kinds of looking-glasses might be made representing wonderful shapes and several excellent things, as Cylindrick, Pyramidal, Parabolick, &c. they are omitted as impertinent to this place, yet I could shew a way to make them, because I have undergone no small labors and charges in the searching of their preparation and use, if it were necessary. But of all looking-glasses that is most useful whose preparation we have shewn, whose diameter is at least two or three spans, if thou wilt perform any special thing; although it be but of one or two spans, yet it gathers abundance of beams, so that thou maist melt tin and lead with it, if it be well shaped: yet the larger are the better. Nor ought they to be too deep, that they may cast their beams the further, and better perform their actions or functions, let them have the twentyeth or thirtyeth part of the sphere (the section being exactly observed) which is the foundation of the Art.
Of Artificial Gems, and Metallick Glasses.
As for metallick glasses pertaining to Alchymy, and much conducing to the perfection of metals, and esteemed by the Ancient Philosophers, I would not omit to say somewhat in this place, because they are easily made by this furnace.
And indeed the Ancients have found these glasses questionless by chance, in reducing the calcined bodys into glass by a strong fire, for very many secrets by this means not sought for are found out. Oftentimes it happens to our labors, that past hope we find somthing better or worse, than the thing sought; and I think it hath thus happened with these glasses, but however it be, I am sure these glasses have stood us in much stead; for Izaak Holland saith plainly, That vitrified metals being again brought to metals, by that reduction do give better and nobler metals than the first vitrified; and indeed gold gives a tincture, but silver gold, and copper silver; and so consequently the glass of other metals give better metals in reduction, the truth of which experience proves, and although I have not yet made great tryal in this work, yet I know that metals brought into dead ashes to be turned into clear glass cannot be again reduced into metals without great profit: yet one metal is more pliable than another, nor are our glasses the Artificial stones of gold-smiths fixed to other large ones for ornaments sake, made by the addition of glass made of fusile sand; but ours are made of the juice of metals. But I do not deny the vertue of Venice glass, and others in the mundifying of metals, chiefly copper and tin, which yet is not comparable with metallick juices. I freely confess I have tryed this thing twenty times, and I never was deceived by it: but I know not whether it may prove so in a greater quantity, because I never tryed it, doubting of my vessels not fit to retain fusible glasses a requisit time: for I have spent much labor in making these kind of vessels, but hitherto in vain. For there is very great hope of gain, if thou hast very strong crucibles, nor is this perfection of metals without reason, for whilest the metal is burnt to ashes, much of the superfluous combustible sulphur is burnt (as you may see in Lead, Tin, and Copper, from the sparks appearing in their calcination whilest they are stirred and separating) which if again reduced (viz. being calcined) its better and heavier part (by benefit of melting) sinketh to the bottom, the worser flowing on the top is changed into dross or glass. And so the separation of metals is made by the help of the Fire alone, to the ignorant and unexpert incredible: but consider gilt silver to be separated in fusion, which is as it were corrupted by the common sulphur, and the metallick species, being lost, it turns to a black dross before that in melting it forsakes the gold: which way also silver is separated from copper, and this from iron. Observe also that black and crude Antimony, being reduced into ashes by calcination, and melted is separated by a strong Fire, the purer parts descending pure and white like silver, but the impure parts ascending are changed into glass or dross, which separation would never be made without incineration although the Antimony should have stood long influx.
Thou seest therefore the power of Fire alone in melting metals, wherefore believe thou that thy labor shall not be in vain if thou knowest how to help the Fire. Exercise thy self therefore in it, for thou art sufficiently instructed, and this furnace will help thee; without which it is impossible to manage such things well, as experience testifies, confirming my words.
Mention being made of metallick glasses, which belongs to the perfection of metals, I am forced to say somthing also of other Amausa, or coloured glasses, which are called Gems, and are worn for beautifying, which though it be not profitable, yet it is a delightful labour, which knowledge, as well noble as ignoble have long sought, not for gain, but recreation sake, erring from the true way (although prolixly described in many tongues) through ignorance of the art to render crystal or flint fusible, and colouring it, being content with lead glasses made of one part of crystals, or flints, and three or four parts of minium or ceruse, glass of no worth, as not only very soft and unapt for polishing, but also heavier than it ought by means of the lead, and having a yellow or green colour, for every glass made of crystal or flint, and minium or ceruse by themselves, viz. without the addition of other colours, gets a yellow colour from the Lead, hindering and altering other mixt colours; therefore a good stone is not made this way of lead and flint, but Leaden glasses of this sort, Venice glass, Ashes of tin, and colours being added to them, be used diversly of the goldsmiths, namely to colour gold, otherwise of no moment.
Therefore I will give another preparation, namely out of flints &c. crystals alone without minium and ceruse, with metallick colours, having the colour and elegancy of excellent stones; but not harder than glass; for although crystal is harder than iron, yet by melting it is deprived of its hardness in some measure, and is made like to glass, yet so much hardness reserved, as serves to write on another glass, which glasses are easily polished, and in all things and by all, most like, hardness excepted, to natural stones; with which not only various kinds of stones may be made, and other gold, silver, and wooden works or pictures adorned; but also diverse supellectils, as salts, hafts or hilts, cups, &c. and also images and antiquities may be formed (by fusion) like to those cut out of gems by the hand of an ingenious workman, most delightful.
They are made after this manner: first you must look for flints and crystals not coloured, but very white, gathered out of sand or streams, which you must heat in a covered crucible, and quench them glowing hot in cold water, that they may crack and may be pulverised; otherwise they are so hard that when they are powdred, they take part of the morter and so are defiled; therefore it is worth your labor to handle them well. Afterward ℞ of flints prepared, and the purest salt of Tartar, made in glased vessels, but not in copper or iron, equal parts, mingle them and keep them for use.
And if thou wilt make this mass into a gem, you must first mingle some colour (what you desire) afterward so long place it (being put into a clean covered crucible scarce half full) in a very strong fire, till all the salt of Tartar hath evaporated, and the flint together with the colour come into substance fusible like glass: you must then put a small clean iron wier, and draw out a little of the melted mass for tryal; whether it have stood long enough in the fire, whether there be yet pustles and little sands, or whether it being exactly melted, it shall descend to the bottom, which done, you must take off the crucible, and place it under some hot iron or earthen vessel, that it may wax cold with the melted stone; otherwise the mass will be broken in the crucible into very small parts, and would be unfit for greater works: neither must you pour out the melted mass for fear of the attraction of aire, and pustles to arise thence. But being willing to make out of the Mass by Fusion, not Engraving Money or Images; there is no need to leave the mass in the crucible to cool, but presently to pour it out hot in a copper morter, and nothing will stick to the crucible, but all the mass will be poured out without any waste: And this mass, if thou wilt, thou maist powder or break into very small bits for fusion and impression. But the mass when cooled in the crucible, is to be taken by breaking the crucible, and to be reduced into greater or lesser stones by cutting: but melting for money or images; you must place the money or image, which you will imitate, with the backside or hinder-part downward in an iron Ring, a Fingers breadth broad of greater capacity than the money, upon a stone or plain wood, and sprinkle on a little Tripoly, or fine Sand, through a cloth, namely, as much as sufficeth to cover the mold, and upon this to put more, well moistened with water, like ashes of cupels, and to press it, being most tenacious, firmly to the mold, but warily, lest the mold be moved; which done, you must turn the ring, and with a knife lift up the mold, and to take it, being lifted up with ones hands or tongs, the image being left in the sand, to be dryed by heat of the Sun or Fire. Afterward to cast the image, place the ring with the image impressed in the sand under a tile, and administer a strong fire, that the whole ring, with the sand, and the image in the sand may be very hot: then take off the ring, to see if the image have suffered any loss; which, if it have not, you must put upon it so much of the aforesaid glass, coursly beaten, as sufficeth in the fusion to fill the image impressed on the sand; which done, put the ring again under the tile, and administer a fire of fusion, till the glass melt in the ring; to which, touch with a smooth iron and light, (with a handle) being hot the ring being taken first out of the furnace with tongs, pressing the glass well to the mold; and then place it under a hot iron, or earthen vessel to cool; and being cold, take the image from the mold, which answers to it in all things, if thou hast aright proceeded, exactly representing the Carvers art, or a seal impressed on a jewel, which excellent work is most fit to feign, and represent Antiquities and Rarities.
The colouring of the aforesaid mass follows, by which it is made most like to Gems.
It behooveth that colours be taken from metals and minerals, namely from Copper, Iron, Gold, Silver, Wismuth, Magnesia and Granate; of other colours I know nothing of certainty, Copper commonly makes a colour green like the Sea, Copper with Iron, grass-green; Granate a smaragdine colour, Iron yellow or jacynth; Gold the best skie colour; Wismuth common skie colour; Magnesia Amethystine, mixt, they give other colours; E. gr. Gold mixt with Silver gives an Amethyst colour; Iron and Copper, a pale green; Wismuth and Magnesia, a purple; Silver and Magnesia, various colours like an Opal.
Images are also made of divers colours, if the masses of diverse colours be broken into bits and mixt, be put upon the Mold, &c. And if thou desirest an opac mass (green, red, skie colour, &c.) add a little calx of Tin darkning, on which as on a Basis the colours insist. For example; in making a Turcoise stone or a Lazulus, mingle with the Azure made of the silver Marcasit or Zafora (to colour the mass) the calx of Tin, that they may melt together, and before the impression be made, put upon the Mold some prepared gold, then spread and put upon this the aforesaid glass; and the fusion and impression being made, will be made thence a stone having golden veins like lapis Lazulus very delightful; But there must be a calx of Gold not losing its splendor in the fire, such as is made by Mercury, or that which is better, which is precipitated out of Aqua Regia: of which above.
Of the preparation of the colours for colouring the mass of Flints and Crystals.
The plates of copper often heated, are to be quenched in cold water of which more in the Fifth part, from three to six grains of it may be mixed with ℥ j. of the mass for a Sea-green colour. Iron is reduced into crocus by reverberation; of which from four to ten grains are added to the mass for a yellow or Jacynth colour; Silver is dissolved in Aqua fortis, and precipitated with the liquor of Flints after it is edulcorated and dryed, whereof from one to six grains, added to ℥ j. of the mass, they make mixt colours.
Gold is dissolved in Aqua Regia, edulcorated and dryed, precipitated first with liquor of Flints, whereof from grain four to ℈ ss. mixt with one ounce of the mass, make a most elegant Saphire. And if from three to six of that soluble ruby made of the Gold, and the nitrous Regulus Martis be added to ℥ j. of the mass, they make a very polite ruby: Magnesia pulverised, whereof, from six to fourteen grains, to ℥ j. of the mass, make an Amethyst.
Marcasit dissolved in Aqua Regia, precipitated with the liquor of flints, edulcorated and dryed, whereof from one to five grains, to ℥ j. of the mass, give a Saphire, but not comparably so polite as one made with gold.
But being unwilling to calcine Marcasite, let him take Zafora, and mingle to ℥ j. from five to ten grains; Granates of Bohemia, or Oriental pulverised, add from six grains to ℈ j. to ʒ j. of the mass, for little green stones like to the natural smaragd or emrald: other things which remain of the mixture of the colours, are to be learned by experience.
To what uses coloured flints and crystals are appointed, is not here to be treated of; one use excepted, which I set down for the eyes, which are weakened by too much watching, the heat of fire and smoak; see thou have a waxen mold circularly round, of the bigness of a dish or trencher; (the Optiques are wont to call such lentes) to which, put the best clay well mixed with hair: anoint the waxen type with oyl, and exactly apply the best prepared earth of crucibles (and durable in the fire) the thickness of a finger; which being dryed, perforate in some part, that the wax being melted by the fire, may flow forth: afterward burn the mold in an earthen furnace; being burnt, fill it with prepared glass, and place it in a wind furnace till the glass melt; which at length being cooled, take off the type by attrition, and there shalt thou have the crystal resembling the form of the type; which afterward thou must make and polish like spectacles in an iron dish on both sides; and take it out with a strong iron wier, and thou shalt have a good crystalline lent for a small price, which otherwise is scarce made of crystal of so great a bigness. And if thou wilt, thou maist colour the glass green, very pleasant to the sight, and fit a foot to it for greater benefit. And the glass doth not only serve for the Multiplication of light in the night time, that you may see a thing a far off in a chamber, but also for the fixing and calcining minerals by the Sun-beams, and melting of Metals, and multiplying of Pictures, like an hollow glass, and also for other uses it may be compared with an hollow looking-glass, which doth the same of an equal bigness with the hollow glass; nor is there any other difference of them but reflexion. This glass-instrument is made likewise another way, and by less cost and labor, if it be of a polisht looking-glass, if two great orbes are cut out with a diamond, and if they are somewhat softned with Fire, and are left there so long in the heat, until they shall stick like wax very close to the stone, which done, let them be cooled again, which afterward taken out, will represent the form of an hollow glass; to which, it behoves to fix a leaf on the convex part. And the glasses do the same that an hollow metallick looking-glass doth, the reflexion excepted, which is not so strong as of the hollow glass: And although the glasses are sooner broke, yet they are very fit for the making of the following Instrument.
And they are bound together with a strong wier, applyed across on the concave part, and an hole is cut in the brim with a diamond on one side, of the bigness of a pea, then the crevises are exactly closed in every place with the best lute; which done, a silver or copper ring is to be tyed about it, holding those glasses straightly, so that the Instrument may be fitted to the foot, all which well done, those strong wiers are separated or cut off, with which the glasses were bound at first, namely, near the copper ring: afterward very pure Aqua vitæ is to be put in through a funnel, as much as is required for the filling it up; the Instrument being filled, the hole is shut up, which is to be kept for use; and this Instrument is better than the hollow glass; especially, if it have in its diameter the breadth of one foot, and may be applyed to prospective pictures, it doth excellently represent and multiply them.
Behind which, if you place a candle in the night, it gives so much light in the Chamber, that you would think it came from the Sun. It doth also many other things which are here omitted as superfluous. And you may gather the dispersed light in the aire in the night time with it, so that you may read the smallest writing. Such and others of the like things may be done by this furnace, all which to set down, would swell the Book too much. Other things of the metals examination and purification by fusion, in another place.
Take this, Reader, which is given to thee, in good part, at another time thou shalt have better; and do not mistake my writings, as if I did reprove the examinations of metals by the Ancients, fusions and separations, who only would communicate my opinion, and yield my assistance for further proceeding; for I know that dealers in metals giving too much credit to their small proof when they find nothing, do, contemn oars as barren, often abounding with gold and silver; when nevertheless, John Mathes. says expresly in his Sarepta, that minerals oftentimes tryed in a small quantity do yield no gold and silver, which in a great quantity, yield a great deal, wherefore credit it is not always to be given to such tryals, often deceiving, as experience testifies.
And this not only in those minerals which are digged out of the earth; but also in those clayie and sandy minerals, abounding with silver and golden flames; out of which neither by the less nor greater proofs, nor ablution nor Mercury is drawn with gain that thin and fiery dispersed gold: which by some waters is done without fire easily; for I know such mines are found neer many rivers of Germany, and many places in other Nations of Europe, out of which honest gain without much cost and labor may easily be gotten. Neither are they dreams, which I have spoken parabolically of the perfection of metals, for it is possible by art to help nature in the perfecting things. There is therefore no more need of any thing than of knowledge; therefore the nature of metals being known, and their properties, they are easily separated, purged and perfected.
But what I have written of the universal medicine, I have done for the aforesaid causes, which have made me believe the thing, not as professor of the Art. The other things of coloured red glasses and looking glasses I have added, because they are easily prepared by this furnace, as sometimes necessary in some works. Other things of the handling metals are not without cause now omitted, which happily may be sometime delivered in another place, wherefore now we end.
FINIS.