The manual of the philosophical medicinal stone, part 2 of 2; his way of extracting mercury out of all metals

The preparation of the Matter of the STONE.

Take the Mineral Electrum, filed; put it into its own Sperm, [Others read it thus: Take the Immature Mineral Electrum, put it into its own Spheare:] that the desilements and supersluities thereof may be washt away, and purge it to the utmost, as much as you can with Stibium, after a Chymical manner, lest that otherwise thou shouldst suffer loss, by reason of its impurity. Then resolve it in the stomach of the Ostrich which is born in the earth, and is comforted and strengthened in its virtue, by the sharpness of the Eagle. But when the Electrum is consumed, and hath, after its solution, gotten a Marigold-colour, be not unmindful of reducing it into a spiritual transparent essence, resembling the colour of true Amber: then add half so much onely of the extended Eagle as the corporal Electrum (afore its preparation) weig[…]ed, and oft-times abstract thence-from the stomach of the Ostrich, for so thy Electrum will be still more and more spiritual. But when the stomach of the Ostrich is wearied, or spent with labour, 'tis needful that thou refreshest, or renewest it, and from time to time abstractest it. Then lastly, when it hath again lost its sharpness, add the Tartarizated Quintessence, yet in such a proportion, as to over-top it the height of four singers, that so it may be deprived of its redness, and may pass, or distill over together therewithall: this do so long and so often, untill it becomes white of it self: Now then when 'tis enough for thou wilt see with thine eies, how it will by little and little […]it it self for sublimation) and thou perceivest that sign, sublime it, and so the Electrum will be converted into the whiteness of the exalted Eagle, and 'tis brought thus to pass, and is transmuted by a little labour. This now is that wee seek for, for our use in Medicine; with the which thou maist make a safe progress in many Diseases, which will not yield to vulgar medicines. Thou maist likewise convert this same into a water, an oil, or a red powder, and make use thereof in all such medicinal cases as need requires.

Give me leave to tell thee, and that truly, that there is not a better foundation for the whole structure of Medicine, then what lies hid in the Electrum. Albeit I do not deny but that (according to what I write in my other Books) there lye hid even in other Mineral things great secrets, but then they require a longer and greater labour, and besides 'tis more difficult to use them aright, especially for the unskilful; sor if such make use of them, there accrews more hurt then good thence from.

For these respects therefore, it is not laudable for every Alchymist to exercise the Medicinal Art, if he bee ignorant thereof. It would be expedient that, as to this, some let and bar were here instituted, that so an inhibition might be imposed on such putatitious, imaginary Physicians. For my part, I'le not bear their blame, not acknowledg them for disciples, seeing they follow not the truth; but account of them as notorious deceivers, and sloathful Loyterers, such as snatch the bread out of the true disciples mouths, and of set-purpose hurt men, esteeming neither Conscience, nor Art. But in our said Electrum prepared, there lies so great a virtue of Curing men, that there cannot be sound a more certain and more excellent medicine in the whole world.

Indeed the Galenical Triacle-selling Doctors do call it Poison, and oppose it, not knowingly, but out of pride and meer foolishness. I my self do likewise grant that in its preparation it is a poison, and as great, or greater then that of the Tyrian Serpent, or Adder, that is put into Triacle; but that it remains poisonous after in preparation, that is as yet indemonstrable: for though to some blockish brains it be incomprehensible, yet doth nature alwaies tend unto its perfection, and it may therefore be much rather brought to that pass by convenient Arts, then alone. But I'le grant yet farther, that after its preparation, it is a greater venome, and more vehement then afore; but yet 'tis onely such a venome as is so directed, as to seek after its like, and to find out fixed and other incurable diseases, and expell them; not in such wise, as to suffer the Disease to be operative, and so hurtful, but 'tis, as it were, an enemy to the disease, and attracts to it self the like matter, and radically absumes it; and it doth so wash, even as Soap scoureth off the spots in soul cloaths, and together with the said spots, doth it self also go off, and leaves the cloaths purified, unhurt, clean, and fair.

So then, this venome (as thou callest it) hath a far other and better efficacie then thy Axu[…]gia, which thou art wont to make use of, in the cure of the French disease, and which thou oftner anointest withall, then the Currier doth his skins. For this Arcanum which lyes hid in this medicanient, hath in its self a well proportioned, well-prepared, and excellent essence; such as admits not of any Comparison with other poison, unless you apprehend me according as my self said before, and it is as much different from thy […]Span, which thou anointest with; and from thy Precipitate, as to virtue and efficacy, as the heaven is from the earth 'tis therefore called, and indeed is a Medicine blessed by God, and is not revealed unto all; for 'tis much better corrected then those mucky, dirty medicaments that the slow-paced Doctor hath in his gown, or hath sil[…]red through his double Strainers, or Fools-bag: Furthermore, this blessed Medicine hath thrice greater force and operative virtue in all diseases, whatsoever name they are called by, then have all the Store-houses and Shops thou ever sawest. But now I attained not hereunto by idleness, sitting still, and […]loth, nor did I find it in an Vrinal; but by Travelling, and as thou termest it […] Wandring: I perceived that if I would indeed know, and not conjecture onely, 'twas necessary for me to learn by much diligence and labour. But as for thee, thou suckest thy Medicine and Artour of the old Mattress, or Pallet, old Cushion, or Couch, wherein the Necromantick Old Wife sitteth; 'tis shee who hath inspired thee, and hath covered thy Coelestial Intellect with a Blew Cap for Medicine: It doth not therefore […] all repent me of my Journyings, for I shall continue to be thy Master, and trace the steps of Machaon, which spring forth from the Light of Nature, even as a flower doth by the heat of the Sun. But that the Work I have intended may not be retarded, and be left imperfect, wee shall go on to observe how the procedure is to bee made, and what virtue and property Medicinal Nature hath given to this Philosophical Stone, and how it may be brought to the end.

The Residue of the Preparation follows.

Thy Electrum being destroied, as aforesaid, if then wouldst make a farther progress, and arrive to thy wished end, Take the destroied and flying-made, or Volatilized Electrum, as much of it as thou hast a desire to perfect, and put it in a Philosophical Egg, and seal it excellently well, that nothing may evaporate: Let it stand so long in an Athanor, until it doth of itself, without any addition, begin to be resolved from above; in such wise that there be an appearance of, as 'twere, an Island in the midst of that sea, the which doth day by day grow less and less, till at last it be changed into the blackness of Shoomakers-black, or Ink: This blackis the Bird which flies without wings by night, the which even the first cloestial dew hath by a perpetual Coction, and ascension, and descension, transmuted into the blackness of the head of a Crow, the which doth afterwards assume the Peacocks tail, and then gets the feathers of the Swan, and last of all, receiveth the highest Redness of the whole world; the which is a sign of its fiery nature, by the which fire it expells all the Accidents of the body, and cherisheth the cold and dead members.

Such a Preparation as this is done (according to the saying of all Philosphers) in one onely Vessel, one For[…]ac[…], one Fire, the vaporous Fire never ceasing.

So then, that Medicine is as 'twere Celestial and Perfect, or at least may be made a more then perfect ☽︎ or Medicine, by its own proper Flesh and Blood, and by its internal Fire, produced and turned outwards, as was spoken of but now, whereby both all the desilements of Metals are washed away, and by which also the hidden parts of Metals are manifested: For that same More-then-perfect Medicine, can do all things, it penetrates all things, and infuseth, or pours in health in that very self-same time when it expels the Evil, and Disease. Therefore there's no Medicine in the Earth that is likeit. Herein then exercise thy self, and be strong, for this is it which will bring thee praise and glory; neither wilt thou be an imaginary, but a knowing Physician, yea, thou wilt be even constrained to love thy Neighbour; for such a Divine Arcanum cannot be perceived or understood by any one without Divine Assistance, nor its vertue, for 'tis unspeakable and infinite, in, and by which the Omnipotent God is to be known

But know, that there's no Solution made in thy Electrum, unless it hath perfectly run through the Circle of the seven Spheres thrice; for this Number becomes it, and this Number it must fulfil: Give heed therefore to the Preparation, for 'tis the cause of Solution, and to the glorified, destroyed, and spiritualized Electrum, use the Tartarizated Areanum to wash off the superfluities which hapned in the Preparation, least you labour in vain: But yet notwithstanding, nothing of the Arcanum of Tartar will remain there, but you are to proceed with it onely circularly, according to the aforesaid Number; for so it easily becomes of it self in the Philosophical Eg, and Vapour of the Fire, a Philosophical Water, the which the Philosophers call a Viscous Water: It will also coagulate it self, and represent it self in all colours, and at last be adorned with the highest Redness.

I am prohibited to write more plain of this Mysterie, it is at the Dispose of the Divine power; For this Air is most assuredly the Gift of God, and therefore all men cannot understand it, God bestows it on whom it pleaseth him, nor will be suffer it to be sorcibly wrested out of his hand, but will alone have the Honour herein: Whose Name be blessed for evermore:

Amen.

Now follows the use of the STONE.

'Tis likewise expedient that I write of the use of this Medicine, and its Weight: Know therefore, that the Dose of this Medicine is so little and small, that it is scarcely credible, and that it must be taken onely in Wine, or the like; but however taken, it must be of the very smallest Quantity, because of its heavenly force, vertue, and efficacy; for it is onely for this end manifested unto man, that so no imperfection may remain in Nature; and it is so provided and predestinated by God, that the Virtue and Arcanum thereof may be produced by Art, to the intent that all creatures may be constrained to be profitable unto man, as being Gods Image; but above all, that the Omnipotency of God may be made known. He therefore that receiveth his understanding from God, to him shall this Medicine be given: But the ignorant Galenical Drone will never be able to comprehend it, but rather loath and abhor it; for all his […] are Darknesses, whereas this Work doth opera[…] in the Light of Nature. Thus in few, but true words, hast thou the Root of all true Medicine, and its Original, such as no body shall pluck from me; no, though Rhasis with all his soul off-spring be staringmad; though Galen be as bitter as Gall, and Avicen gnasheth his teeth, and Mesue lyes largely, yet it will be too high for them all, and Theophrastus will stand firm in the truth: Whereas on the other side, the maimed works of the Apothecaryes, and the sinearings of the Physicians, together with all their pomp and foundation, will tumble down.

One thing more 'tis convenient for me to speak, because my present Writing will seem obscure to many: thou wilt haply say, My Theophrastus, then speakest too briefly and intricately unto me, I know not thy kind of speaking, and how rightly thou declarest thy things and Arcanaes, this Writing of thine will not profit me at all. Hereto I answer thus: Pearls belong not to Swine, nor a long tale to a Goat, for Nature would not give it them; therefore I say, He to whom God will vouchsafe it. he shall find sufficiently, and more then enough, yea more then he hath been desirous of.

I write these things for an entrance and beginning, follow thou on prudently, neither shun thou study, labour, or the Coales: Let not the bragging praters seduce or hinder thee, nor turn thee aside from that diligence which is requisite, for by perpetual Meditations, are many fruitful & profitable things found out: Wherefore accept of what I give thee in good part, and apply thy self to make use of the Fountain, so shalt thou have no need to drink out of the pits of the Philosophers, nor shalt thou have any thing to do with the dead-buryers, but shalt be able to serve thy Neighbour well, and bring praise and honour to God: He that is a master of Hares dung, even so let him remain, with him is neither help nor counsel. These things I was willing briefly to set down in this my little Book of the Philosophers Stone, least men might imagine that Theophrastus cures many Diseases by Diabolical means. If thou followest me aright, thou shalt do the same, and thy Medicine shall be like unto the Ayre, which pierceth through all open things, and is in all things driving forth all six Dise[…]ses, and immixing it self Radically, whereby health […]y succeed in the place of the Disease: For out of this Fountain doth True Aurum potabile abundantly flow, nor can better be any where found.

Accept of these Instructions as a faithful Admonition, and do not reject and vilisie Theophrastus before thou knowest what he is: I am […]willing to set down any thing else in this Book, though it would have been necessary to say somewhat of Aurum potabile, and to speak of the Liquor of […], philosophically. But I shall onely hint at these things, the which if they are but rightly prepared, are not to be contemned in their virtues. But because my other books do […]eat much, and declare sufficiently enough as to these things, viz. What a true Physician ought to know, I will even here forbear, hoping that this little Book will not be altogether fruitless, but rather be a sufficient Counsellor to the sons of Learning. The Lord bestow his Grace for his Own glory and honour:

Amen.

Paracelsus his way of Extracting Mercury out of all METALS.

TO extract a Mercury out of Metalline Bodies, is nothing else but to resolve them, or reduce them into their first Matter, that is, into Running-Mercury, viz. such a Mercury as it was in the Centre of the Earth, before the Generation of Metals, viz. a moist and viscous Vapour, containing in it the Mercury and Sulphur of Nature invisibly, which are the principles of all the metals, such a Mercury is of unspeakable Virtues, and possesseth Divine Secrets.

This Reduction is made by a Mercurial Water, which neither Iohn de Rupescissa, nor others, what ever boasts they have made thereof, ever knew: It is therefore by much diligence to be known, and to be handled or improved with unwearied Labour. On this wise therefore is the said Mercurial Water to be prepared.

Take Mercury seven times sublimed, with Vitriol, Salt-nitre and Allum, three pounds.

Of Sal Armoniack clear and white, thrice sublimed from Salt, one pound and an half.

Both of them being ground together, and Alcaolizated, sublime them in a Sublimatory in Sand for nine hours: Let all cool; then take off the Sublimate with a Feather, and sublime it with the remainder, as before: Repeat this operation four times, until it will sublime no more, and the Masse remain black in the bottom, and flowing like to wax: cool it, and take it out, and grind it again, and put it in a Glass-Dish, and imbibe it oftentimes with the Water of Sal Armoniack, but let it be the prepared Water, and let it Coagulate of its own accord, and then again imbibe it, and dry it, even till nine or ten times, until it will be almost no more coagulated. Then grind it subtilly upon a Marble, dissolve it in a moist place, into a fair Oyle, the which you must rectifie by distillation in Ashes, from all fece and residence. Diligently keep this most chief and principal Water, of the which—Take eight Ounces, and put thereinto one Ounce and a half of most purely mundisied Leaves or Plates of the best Sol or Luna, set it a digesting in hot Ashes, in a shut Glass, for eight hours: Thou shalt see thy body in the bottom of the Vessel, transmuted into a subtile Vapour, or Mercury: The Solution being made of the whole Mercurial water, separate it from the first Matter by Sublimation in an Alembick, with a gentle fire, and keep it in a glass vessel diligently. By this means shalt thou have the most true Mercury of a body, the use whereof in desperate Cases (provided it be wisely used) is miraculous, and caelestial; and therefore not to be revealed to the unworthy.

The Sulphur of Metalls, by Theophrastus.

The Sulphur of Metalls is an Oilyness extracted out of them, the which is endued with abundance of virtues for the health of Man. One Sulphur is extracted out of Metalls afore they have endured the fire: as for example, Out of golden, or silver Marcasites, &c. according to the nobility of the Mineral, so is the Sulphur noble and excellent. So likewise out of the Mineral of a Marcasite, and Cobolt, each as its nature and propriety is.

The more common way of the extraction thereof is this: viz. You must take Vineger excellently well distilled, such as hath stood for 24 hours upon a caput mortuum of Vitriol, Salt Nitre, and Allum distilled, and been distilled by an Alembick thence from. This, I say, must thou powr upon the pulverized metalline body, in a glass that it may overtop it seven singers, and set it to digest in a Horse-belly for nine daies: then take the coloured Vineger, and distill it in ashes, even to the Sulphureous oil, the which you must rectifie in a B. or at the ☉︎, so shalt thou have a most true Sulphur of the metalline body, the which thou must rightly make use of according to thy discretion. An extraction may likewise be made by a sharp and well-depurated Lixivium. But these other Sulphurs are not so profitable, as to the inward use of the body, because of the Alkali of the Ashes, out of which we make a clavellated gnawing Salt: and because of the Calx, or Limyness which such Lixiviums are made withall. The Sulphur that is thus extracted, may be washt with sweet water, and be Precipitated: but the digestion afterwards requires twice the time.

The Lixivium also is to be rectified by the sublimation thereof frō all terrestrial residence, lest that such Sulphurs being incorporated with it become corrosive, to the destruction of the sick: the which to prevent, the said separtion is to be made. And so much concerning the Crude Sulphurs.

But now as for the melted and depurated Metalls, you may extract their Sulphur too: There is not given a more certain, a more noble, and better way, then by the water of Salt, or its Oile prepared on such wise as I have evidently described in my books of Alchimy for such a Water doth sundamentally and radically extract out of all Metalline bodies, their natural liquor, or Sulphur, and most excellent Crocus, as well for Medicinal, as for Chymical operations: it resolveth and breaketh every mettal, bringing it out of its Metalline nature into another, according to the different intention and industry of the workman.

The Crocus, or Tincture of Mettalls.

The Crocus of Metalls is four-fold; viz the Crocus of Sol, Venus, Mars and Chalybs: that of Chalybs, or Steel, is the better, 'tis extracted by Reverberation, or Calcination, reducing the said bodies into a powder. So Iron filed is consumed by Rust: the Consumption of the Rust is made by the inhibition of those things which cause Rust, and by a decoction extracting the colour of the Rust.

Take old Vrine powred off from its residence. viz. some Cups of it, in which dissolve three handfuls of Salt ground; strain it, boil it, and scum it well: Herein again dissolve an handful of Vitriol beaten, and two Ounces or three of Sal Armoniack beaten, and scum it again very well: With this Liquor imbibe the silings, and boil them until they are pulverisable; the which powder you must reverberate with a strong fire, continually stirring it with an Iron rod, until it pass from one colour to another, and at last into a most lucid Violet colour; out of which thou maist easily extract the Tincture by spirit of Wine, or distilled Vineger, and by the separation of the Elements gather the abstraction left in the bottom of the vessel, with which thou maist effect wonderful works, as well within the body, as without.

As for the making of Crocus Veneris, do thus: Take one pound or two of the best Copper-rust, or Vordigrease alcoolizated; powr thereto plenty of distilled Vineger, and stir it well thrice every day. Pour off the colour'd Vineger gently, and totally sublime, or distill it in ashes, even to a dryness: Let this powder be afterwards washed nine times with warm water from all the sharpness, and be dried; so shalt thou have the prepared Crocus of Venus, or the Flos of Brass; out of which thou maist, if thou wilt, easily extract an Oil, according to the precepts delivered in the great Chirurgical work, where also its use is explained.

The Crocus of ☉︎ is to be extracted by the water of Salt, by which the Metalline nature thereof or Malleation, is broken, the residence is to be washed with hot water, and the Crocus to be extracted with spirit of Wine, the which being again separated, the Crocus will remain in the bottom; the which by elevation, by the degrees of fire, in five times sublimation, is changed into a Liquor, or the most true Quintessence of Sol. With this thou maist perform miraculous things: but hereto is required not a putatitious, but an industrious and skilful Artist.

FINIS.