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diff --git a/14641-h/14641-h.htm b/14641-h/14641-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ec86ea6 --- /dev/null +++ b/14641-h/14641-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1813 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Golden Calf, Which the World Adores, and Desires, by John Frederick Helvetius</title> + <style type="text/css"> +body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; text-align: justify} +h1, h2, h3, h4, h6 {text-align: center} +hr {text-align: center; } +p {margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; font-size: 14pt} +.center {text-align: center} + hr.full { width: 100%; + height: 5px; } + a:link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:visited {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:hover {color:red} + pre {font-size: 8pt;} +</style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 14641 ***</div> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Golden Calf, Which the World Adores, and +Desires, by John Frederick Helvetius</h1> +<hr class="full" noshade> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>THE</h2> + +<h1>GOLDEN CALF,</h1> + +<p class="center">Which the</p> + +<h1>WORLD</h1> + +<h2>ADORES, and DESIRES:</h2> + +<p class="center">In which is handled<br> +The most Rare and Incomparable<br> +Wonder of Nature, In Transmuting<br> +METALS;</p> + +<p class="center"><em>VIZ</em>.</p> + +<p class="center">How the intire Substance of Lead, was in one <br> +Moment Transmuted in Gold-Obrizon, <br> +with an exceeding small particle of the true <br> +Philosophick Stone.</p> + +<p class="center">At the <em>Hague</em>. In the Year 1666.</p> + +<p class="center"><em>Written in Latin by</em> John Frederick Helvetius,<br> +<em>Doctor and Practitioner of Medicine at</em> <br> +<em>the</em> Hague, <em> and faithfully Englished.</em></p> +<hr width="80%"> +<br> + +<h6>London, Printed for John Starkey at the +Mitre<br> +in Fleetstreet near Temple-Barr</h6> + +<h4>1670</h4> +<br> +<hr width="80%"> + +<p class="center">To the most Excellent<br> +D. THEODORUS KETJES,<br> +by his many Peregrinations, a <br> +most famous Phisician, and an <br> +happy Practitioner of Medicine<br> +at <em>Amsterdam</em>, <br> +One of my Intimate Friends.</p> + +<p class="center"><em>ALSO</em>,<br> +To the most Noble, most Excellent,<br> +and most Experienc'd, and<br> +Accurate Searchers into the<br> +Vulcanian Anatomy,<br> +<em>D. JOHN CASPARUS FAUSIUS</em>,<br> +Counsellor, and Chief Physician<br> +of the most Serene Elector Palatine<br> +of <em>HEIDELBERG</em>.</p> + +<p class="center"><em>AND</em><br> +<em>D. CHRISTIAN MENTZELIUS</em>,<br> +Principal Physician in the Court<br> +of the most Serene Elector of<br> +<em>BRANDENBURG</em>:</p> + +<p class="center">My Reverend Patrons, and intire<br> +Friends.</p> +<hr width="80%"> + +<h2 style="text-align: center">The Epistle <br> +DEDICATORY:</h2> + +<p>Most Noble, most Excellent, most<br> +Expert, and most Accurate Inspectors<br> +of the <em> Vulcanian Anatomy</em>,<br> +and my most real<br> +FRIENDS.</p> + +<blockquote> + <p>Although I neither was willing, nor able to be wanting to my honoured + Friends, yet would not divulge and bring to light the Verity of the + <em>Spagirick Art,</em> but by this most precious, and Miraculous + <em>Arcanum, </em>which I not only saw with these Eyes, but taking a little + of the transmutatory powder, I myself also transmuted an Impure Mass of + Lead volatile in the Fire, into fixed Gold, constantly sustaining every + Examen of Fire: in such wise, as henceforth it can no more be suspected by + any Man, no not by those, who unto this day have perswaded themselves and + others, that this <em>Arcanum</em> is given to no man: but contrarily we + were fully and indubitately perswaded, that, in things of Nature, The + <em>Mercury</em> of Philosophers is <em>Primo-material</em>, and is like a + Fountain overflowing with wonderfull Effects, and those escaping every + acuteness, and Light of Human reprehensible Reason, as shall be evidenced + in this my little work: which I was willing to dedicate and consecrate to + you, my Primary Patrons, as to most prudent Masters, and Defenders. Yet in + the mean while, I pray consider, that I have not writ to the end I would + teach any one, that Art, which I my self know not, but only that I might + recite the true Process of this <em>Arcanum.</em> For, what can more + confirm, and Patronize Verity, than the true Light of Truth it self? It is + the property of Brute Animals to pass their life in Silence, and especially + not to heed those things in them, which do most of all look to, and are + required for the propagation of the Glory of the most Wise, and most + powerful <em>GOD</em> our creator. Wherefore, since it is a thing unworthy, + and to the Divine Majesty ungrateful, for Man, who should be a Consort of + the Divine Nature, to wax brutish with Brutes, I present to you, my most + faithful Friends, and Patrons of this Science, this most rare History: + having as time, and my Ability would permit, recollected all things, and + have faithfully commemorated them. Therefore, omitting all paints, and + flourishes of Rhetorical Expressions, I will forthwith betake my self to + the discovery of all, whatsoever I both saw, and heard from <em>Elias the + Artist </em>touching this. For truly, I was not so intimately familiar with + him, as that he should instruct me in the way of preparing the Universal + Medicine, after the Method of Physico-artificial Chimistry: yet he supplyed + me with such Reasons in the Method of Healing, as I shall never be able to + commend his worth with condigne Praises. Therefore, most curious Favourers, + and true Lovers of the Chimical Art, accept of this little work, as a mean + Gift, or if you had rather, peruse if only for recreation of the mind; for + in it I shall relate all things whatsoever, that were discoursed of between + him and me, at several times: humbly requesting, that with the same + benevolence you have received other of my small Treatises, you would also + accept of this Novel, which I freely dedicate, and officiously give to you, + for a motion, and increase of Admiration. Farewel, <em>avete, + favete.</em></p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Your most humble</em></p> + +<p class="center">John Fredrick Helvetius.</p> +<hr width="80%"> + +<h2 style="text-align: center">CHAP. I.</h2> + +<p>Most Excellent, and Prudent Sirs. <em><br> +Before I enter upon the Description of the Philosophick </em>PIGMY<em>,(in +this little Theatre of Secrets) overcoming and subduing </em>GIANTS,<em> I +pray permit me here to use the words of </em>Vanhelmont,<em> taken out of his +Book </em>De Arbore Vitæ, fol. 630. <em>and here Transcribed.</em></p> + +<p><em>I compelled to believe, that there is an Aurifick, and Argentick +Stone.</em> But (Friend of the <em>Spagyrick Art</em>) I am not ignorant, +that many have been found among the most wise, yea among the exquisite +<em>Chimists</em>, who have not only consumed their own Goods, but the Goods +of others also, in this <em>Great Vulanick</em> Secret, as Experience even at +this very day sufficiently proves. For we have seen, the more is the pity! +how unwary <em>Chimists</em>, yea such as are more worthy, than those who are +called <em>Alchimists</em>; how, I say, they, labouring simply, are daily +deluded with Guile of this kind, by <em>Diabolick, Aurifick,</em> and +<em>Argentick</em> Suckgoods. Also I know, that many Stupid Men will rise up, +and contradict the truth of my true Experience, touching the Philosophick +Stone. One will have it to be a work of the Devil; another affirms there is +no such thing; a third faith it is the Soul of Gold only, and that with an +Ounce of that Gold, an Ounce of Lead, and no more may be again tinged: but +this is repugnant to the Attestation of <em>Kifflerus</em>, as I shall +briefly commemorate; a fourth believes the Verity and Possibility thereof, +but faith it is so chargeable, as it will never quit Cost; with many other +like Allegations. Yet I wonder not at this, for according to this Saying,</p> + +<blockquote> + <p><em>Quorum rationem non intelligimus, miramur,<br> + Que vero pernoscere volupe est, rimamur.</em></p> + + <p>What we cannot attain to, we admire,<br> + But what to know is pleasing, do desire.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>How can a Man, fallen from the Fountain of Light, into the Abyss of +Darkness, effect any thing to purpose, in Natural things, especially when his +Wisdome in this natural Philosophick Study is barren and sophisticate? It is, +for the most part, proper to these Fools and unapt men, presently to contemn +a thing, not knowing, that more are yet to be sought by them, than they have +the possession of. Therefore, rightly saith <em>Seneca</em>, in lib. de +Moribus: <em>Thou art not yet happy, if the Rout deride thee not</em>. But I +matter not, whether they believe, or contradict what I write, touching the +Transmutation of Metals. I rest satisfied in this one thing, which with my +eyes I have seen, and what with my hands I have done. For what Philosophers +say of themselves, I also have with my hands handled this Spark of the +Eternal Wisdome, or this Saturnine Catholick <em>Magnesia</em> of +Philosophers, a Fire of potency sufficient to penetrate Stones, yea, a +Treasure of so great value, as 20 Tun of Gold cannot exceed the price +thereof. What seek you? I believe what I have seen with the eyes of +<em>Thomas</em>, and handled as he, (but in the nature of things only) as +well as the Adept Philosophers; although in this our decrepit age of the +world, That be accounted a most Secret Hyperphysico-magical <em>Saturn</em>, +and not known, unless to some Cabalistick Christian only. We judge him the +most happy of all Physicians, who hath the knowledge of this pleasant +Medicinal potion of our <em>Mercury</em>, or of the Medicine of the Son of +our <em>Esculapius </em>resisting the force of death, against which there is +no <em>Panacea </em>otherwise produced in Gardens. Moreover, the most wise +<em>GOD</em> doth not reveal his Gifts of <em>Solomon </em>promiscuously to +all Mortals. They indeed seem strange to them, when they behold a Creature, +from the occult Magnetick potency incited in it self, deduced into art by its +own like; as for Example: In Iron is a Magnetick, ingenited, potential virtue +from the Magnet: a Magnetick virtue in Gold from <em>Mercury</em>: a +Magnetick virtue in Silver from <em>Venus</em>, or Copper: and so +consequently in all Metals, Minerals, and Stones, Herbs, and Plants, +&c.</p> + +<p>Moreover, I may properly quæry, which of the wisest Philosophers is so +Sage, as to be able to comprehend with the acuteness of his own most dextrous +ingeny, with what Obumbracle the Imaginative Tinging, Venemons, or Monstrous +Faculty of any pregnant Woman, compleats its work in one Moment, if it be +deduced into art by some External Object?</p> + +<p>I do assuredly believe, that very many will foolishly say, that this is a +Mortomagical Work of the Devil; but the Doltish and Ignorant are affraid to +be out-shined by the true resplendent Light of Verity, with which their +Owl-like Sight is troubled, and afflicted.</p> + +<p>Also the Stars are a cause of what we treat of, and this cause is not to +be contemned, although I, nor you, know not how to comprehend the Celestial +Influences of them in our mind. Nor are the Plants, which the Earth supplies +us with, to be rejected, although I; or you, from the External Signature of +them, know not how to judge aright of the Effect of Virtues ingenited in +them, which they notoriously exercise, according to their power, in healing +and conserving Humane bodies. Therefore, since all others are also offended +at the Internal Light, being ignorant of all abstruse things, of which you, +or I, want the Science, how can the same Virtues be deduced into art, +according to the end for which they were created? A thousand other like +things might be instanced. Although you know not the Splendour in Angels, the +Candour in the Heavens, the Perspicuity in the Air, Limpitude in Waters, the +variety of Colours in Flowers, hardness of Metals and Stones, Proportion in +Animals, the Image of <em>GOD </em>in regenerate Men, Faith in Believers, and +Reason in the Soul; yet in them there is such a beauty, as hath been +throughly beheld, and fully known by very few Mortals.</p> + +<p>Although in the Stone of Philosophers there be so potent a virtue, and the +same hath been seen by me, yet I would not therefore have any man to think, +that my primary Scope, and intention, is to perswade the worthy, or unworthy +Sons of this Age, to labour in this work, no, not at all: but I shall rather +dehort all, and every of the curious Indagators of this Art, that they +seriously abstain from this most perilous <em>Arcanum</em>, as from a certain +<em>Sanctum Sanctorum</em>; yea, and I would admonish the Studious of this +<em>Arcanum</em>, accurately to take heed to himself, and beware of the +Lectures, and Association of false Philosophers. But I hope I shall satisfie +the curious Naturalists, or investigators of Physical <em>Arcanums,</em> by +communicating and publishing in this present Discourse, all which passed +between <em>Elias the Artist</em>, and Me, touching the Nature of the Stone +of Philosophers. For that is an <em>Ens</em> more Effulgent than the Morning, +or a Carbuncle: more splendid, than the Sun, or Gold: more fair, than the +Moon, or Silver: so very Recreable, and Amiable, was the sight of this Light, +and most pleasing Object to me, as out of my inward Mind, it cannot be +obliterated, or extinguished by any Oblivion; although the same be credited +by none of the fatuate Learned, or illiterate ignorant Asses, and such as +glory only in the praise of ambitious Eloquence. For in this malignant +ulcerated age of the world, nothing is so safe and secure from Calumnies, but +it is taken in a wrong Sense, and perverted unworthily by the Idiotick +Ignorance of mad-brain'd <em>CacoZelots</em>. So very farr do all these +dark-sighted men deviate from the true rule of Verity, as in success of time, +they, intangled with their own Errors, will miserably wast away and expire; +but our Assertion, built on the Eternal Foundation of Triumphing Verity, +shall continue and remain, unto the Consummation of all ages, without +diminution, although this art be not yet known to all Mortals. For the +<em>Adept Philosophers</em>, according to the antient Faith of their +experience, have affirmed, that this Natural Mystery (which many anxious men +have sinistrously sought, and required) is only to be found with +<em>Jehovah</em>, Saturninely placed in the Centre of the World. In the mean +while, we proclaim those happy, who take care, by the help of art, how they +may wash this Philosophick Queen, or how they ought to circulate the +Virgin-Catholick-Earth, in Physico-Magical Crystalline Artifice, as +<em>Khunradus</em>. did; they only, and none others besides them, shall see +the Crowned, and internally fiery King of Philosophers, coming forth from his +Glassy Sepulchre, in an external fiery Body glorified, more then perfect with +all the Colours in the world, as a shining Carbuncle, or perspicuous, compact +and ponderous Crystal, a Salamander Spewing out Waters, and by the benefit +thereof in the Fire washing Leprous Metals, as I my self have seen. What? How +shall they see the <em>Abyss</em> of the Spagyrick Art? when as this Royal +Art hath so long lain hid, and been absconded in the Mineral Kingdom, as in +the Safest of all Secret places, for so very many years? Assuredly the +Genuine Sons of this Laudable Art, shall not only behold a like Flood of +<em>Numicius</em>, in which <em>Æneas</em> heretofore, by the command of +Venus, washed and absolved from his Immortality, was immediately transformed +into an immortal God; but also the <em>Lydian</em> River of <em>Pactolus</em> +all transmuted into Gold, and how <em>Midas Mygdonius</em> washed himself in +the same. Likewise those candid Rivals of this Art, shall in a serious order +behold the Bathing-place of naked <em>Diana</em>, the Fountain of +<em>Narcissus, </em>and <em>Scylla</em> walking in the Sea, without garments, +by reason of the most fervent Rayes of Sol: partly also the Blood of +<em>Pyramus</em> and <em>Thisbe</em>, of it self collected, by the help of +which, white Mulberries are tinged into Red; partly also the Blood of +<em>Adonis</em>, by the descending Goddess <em>Venus</em> transformed into a +Rose of <em>Anemona</em>; partly likewise the Blood of <em>Ajax</em>, from +which arose that most beautiful flower the Violet; partly also the Blood of +the <em>Giants</em> slain by <em>Jupiters </em>thunder-bolt; partly also the +Shed Tears of <em>Althea</em>, when she put off her Golden Vestments; and +partly the Drops, which fell from the decocted Water of <em>Medea</em>, by +which green things immediatly sprang out of the Earth; partly also the cocted +Potion of <em>Medea</em>, made of various Herbs, gathered always three dayes +before full Moon, for the cure of <em>Jasons</em> aged Father; partly also +those Leaves, by the tast of which, the nature of <em>Gaucus</em> was changed +into <em>Neptune</em>; partly also the Exprest Juice of <em>Jason</em>, by +the benefit of which, he, in the Land of <em>Cholcons</em>, received the +Golden Fleece, afterward by reason of that, compleatly armed, he fought in +the Feild of <em>Mars</em>, not without the hazard of Life; partly also the +Garden of the <em>Hesperides</em>, where Golden Apples may be gathered from +the Trees; partly also <em>Hippomenes</em> running for the Mastery with +<em>Atalanta</em>, and staying her Course, and so overcoming her with three +Golden Apples, the Gifts of <em>Venus</em>; partly also the <em>Aurora</em> +of <em>Cephalus</em>, partly also <em>Romulus</em> transformed by +<em>Jupiter</em> into a <em>God</em>; partly also the Soul of <em>Julius +Cæsar</em>, by the Goddess <em>Venus</em>, transfigured into a Comet, and +placed among the Stars; partly also <em>Python, Juno's </em>Serpent, arising +out of the putrid Earth (after <em>Deucalions</em> Flood) made hot by the +Rayes of the Sun; partly also the Fire, with which <em>Medea</em> kindled +seven Lights; partly also the Moon, inflamed by the burning of +<em>Phæton</em>; partly also the Withered Olive Branch, a new; flourishing +and bearing Fruit; yea, becoming a new and tender Olive Tree; partly also +<em>Arcadia</em>, where <em>Jupiter</em> was wont to walk; partly also the +Habitation of <em>Pluto</em>, at the Gate whereof lay the Three-headed +<em>Cerberus</em>; & also partly that Mountain, where <em>Hercules</em> +burned all his Members, received from the Mother, upon Wood, but the Parts of +the Father remained Fixed, and incombustible in Fire, and nothing of his Life +was destroyed, but he, at length, was transmuted into a God. Likewise we will +not forget those <em>Germans</em>, the Sons of true Philosophers, who entred +into a Country-house, at length transformed into a Temple, whose Covering was +made of pure Gold. Certainly, I cannot choose, but must yet once more with +acclamation, say with the <em>Adept</em>: O happy, and thrice happy is that +Artificer, who by the most merciful benediction of the highest, +<em>Jehovah</em> pursues the Art of Confecting, and preparing that (as it +were, Divine) Salt, by the Efficacious Operation of which, a Metallick, or +Mineral body, is corrupted, destroyed, and dyes; yet the Soul thereof is in +the mean while revived, to a glorious Resurrection of a Philosophick Body. +Yea, I say, most happy is the Son of that man, who, by his Prayers, obtains +this Art of Arts, unto the glory of <em>GOD</em>. For it is most certain, +that this Mystery can be known no other way, unless it be drawn and imbibed +from <em>GOD</em>, the Fountain of Fountains. Therefore, let every serious +Lover of this inestimable Art judge, that the whole work of him required, is, +that he constantly, with the prayer of true faith, in all his labour, implore +and solicite the Divine Grace of the Holy Spirit. For the solemn manner of +<em>GOD</em> alone is, candidly and liberally, either mediately or +immediately, to communicate his gifts and benefits, to none, unless to candid +and liberal Ingenies only. In this holy way of practical Piety, all +Inquisitors of profound Arts, find what they seek, when they, in their work, +exercise themselves Theosophically by solitary Colloquies with +<em>Jehovah</em>, with a pure Heart and Mouth, religiously. For the Heavenly +<em>Sophia</em>, indeed, willingly embraces our friendship, presenting, and +offering to us, her inexhaustible Rivolets, most full of gracious goodness +and benevolence. But, happy is he, to whom the Royal way, in which he is to +walk, shall be shown by some One expert in this <em>Arcanum</em>.</p> + +<p>I seem to presage to my self, that I have not equally satisfied all +Readers in this Preface; but it is, as if I did presume to teach them an Art, +unknown to my self; yet I hope better of the greatest part of them. For my +intention was, only to relate to you a certain History. Therefore, Drink, my +Friends, of the following Dialogue, or Springing Colloquy, presented by me, +wishing you well, that thence you may satisfie, and allay all the Thirst of +your Thirsting Minds: for I doubt not in the least, but that this Study of +Divine Wisdome, will be more sweet to you, than <em>Nectar</em> and +<em>Ambrosia</em>. No other will I communicate, no other have I common, then +that of <em>Jul. Cæs. Scaliger: The End, of Wisemen, is the Communication of +Wisdome:</em> according to that of <em>Gregory Nyßen: He who is Good, in +Nature, the same very willingly communicates his Goods to others.</em> For it +is the part of good Men, to be profitable to others.</p> +<hr width="80%"> + +<h2 style="text-align: center">CHAP. II.</h2> + +<p>Divers Ilustrious men have written touching the Verity of this +<em>Arcanum</em>, among these, take the Sayings of some of them, as +follows.</p> + +<p style="text-align: center"><em>PARACELSUS</em></p> + +<p style="text-align: center">In his Book <em>Of the Signature of Natural +things.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>The Tincture of Naturalists, is a, true sign, that by the transmutative + virtue thereof, all imperfect Metals are changed, <em>viz.</em> the White + into Silver, and the Red into the best Gold, if an exceeding small part of + this Medicine well prepared, be injected upon the Metal, while in flux in a + Crucible, &c.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p style="text-align: center"><em>The same.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>For the invincible <em>Astrum</em> of Metals overcomes all things, and + changeth into a Nature like it self, &c. This Gold and Silver is more + noble, and better, than those, which are dug out of Metallick Mines; for + Medicinal <em>Arcanums </em>to be prepared therefrom.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p style="text-align: center"><em>The same.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>Therefore, I say every Alchimist, which hath the <em>Astrum</em> of + Gold, is able to tinge all Red Metals into Gold, &c.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p style="text-align: center"><em>The same.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>Our Tincture of Gold hath <em>Astrums</em> in it self, is a Substance + most fixed, and in multiplication immutable. It is a Powder, haveing a + colour most red, almost like Saffron, yet its whole Corporal Substance, is + liquid as Rosin, perspicuous as Crystal, brittle as Glass, of the colour of + a Rubie, and exceeding poaderous, &c.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>Also read <em>Paracelsus</em> his <em>Heaven of Philosophers.</em></p> + +<p>Likewise, <em>Paracelsus</em> his Seventh Book, <em>Of the Transmutation +of Natural things.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>Transmutation is a great natural Mystery, Metallick, and not contrary to + the Course of Nature, nor repugnant to the Order of <em>GOD</em>, as many + men of it do falsly judge. For imperfect Metals, are changed neither into + Gold, nor into Silver, without this Stone of Philosophers.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p><em>Paracelsus</em>, in his <em>Manual of the Medicinal Stone of +philosophers.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>Our Stone is a Celestial, and more than perfect Medicine, because it + cleanseth all the impurities of Metals, &c.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p style="text-align: center"><em>HENRY KHUNRADUS</em></p> + +<p>In his <em>Amphitheatre of Eternal Sapience</em>.</p> + +<blockquote> + <p>I travelled long, invited others, who knew somewhat by experience, and + could with very firm judgement conjecture; and this not alwayes in vain. + Among which, I call <em>God</em> to witness, by his wonderful ordination, + I, from one, received the Green Catholick <em>Lyon</em>, and the + <em>Blood</em> of the <em>Lyon</em>, viz. <em>Gold</em>, not the Vulgar, + but of <em>Philosophers</em>, with my Eyes I saw the same, with my hands, I + handled it, and with my Nostrils, smelt the odour thereof. O how wonderful + is <em>God</em> in his Works! They, I say, gave those Gifts prepared, which + I in most desperate Cases, used with admirable success to the benefit of my + needy Neighbour. And (by Instinct of <em>Jehovah's </em>mercy) they + sincerely revealed to me, the wayes of preparing, &c.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p style="text-align: center"><em>The same.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>This wonderful Method, the wonderful <em>God</em> gave me. In this way, + in which I walked, <em>God </em>alone, I say, immediately, and mediately; + yet subdelegately, Nature, Fire, and Art, of my Master, as well living as + mute, corporally, and spiritually good, sleeping and waking, gave the same + to me, &c.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p style="text-align: center"><em>The same.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>I write not Fables; with your hands you shall handle, and with, your + eyes you shall see <em>Azoth</em>, viz. the Catholick [or Universal] + <em>Mercury</em> of Philosophers; which alone, with the Internal and + External Fire, yet with Sympathetick Harmony, with Olympick Fire (by reason + of inevitable necessity) Physico-magically united, will suffice thee for + obtaining our Stone, &c.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p style="text-align: center"><em>The same.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>You shall see, the Stone of <em>Philosophers</em>; our <em>King</em>, + and <em>Lord</em> of those that bare rule, coming from his Bridal Throne of + the Glassy Sepulchre, into this Mundane Scene, in his glorified body, + <em>viz</em>, regenerate, and more then perfect: namely, a shining + Carbuncle, a most temperate Splendour; and of which, tire most Subtile, and + Depurated parts, are by the concordant peace of Mixtion, inseparably united + into One, and perfectly equallized, clear as Crystal, compact, and most + ponderous, as fluid in fire, as Rosin, and before the flight of + <em>Mercury</em>, as Wax flowing, yet without fume, entring and + penetrating, solid and close bodies, as Oyl, Paper; resolvable in every + Liquor, melting, and commiscible therewith; brittle as Glass, in Powder, of + the colour of Saffron, but in the intire Mass, like a blushing Rubie; + (which Redness is a sign of perfect Fixation, and fixed Perfection) + permanently Colouring, or Tinging; in all Examens whatsoever, even of + Sulphur adurtive, and in Tryals of corroding Waters, and in the most + vehement persecution of Fire, fixed, alwayes during, and unburnable; + permanent as the Salamander, &c.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p style="text-align: center"><em>The same.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>The Stone of Philosophers in the greater World, is in the parts thereof, + fermented; by reason of the Ferment, it transforms it self into whatsoever + it will &c. Hence you may learn the reason, why Philosophers on their + <em>Azoth</em> imposed the name of <em>Mercury</em> which adheres to + bodies, &c.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p style="text-align: center"><em>The same.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>It is fermented with Metals, <em>viz</em>, the White existant in the + highest Whiteness, with pure Silver for the White; but the Sanguineous + <em>Stone</em>, with Gold Obrizon for the Red. And this is the Work of + three dayes, &c.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p style="text-align: center"><em>HELMONT, Of Eternal Life</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>For I have oftentimes seen it, and with, my hands handled the same, + &c. See in the same place further. Then I projected this quarter of one + Grane, wrapt up in Paper, upon eight Ounces of Argentvive, hot in a + Crucible, and immediately the whole Hydrargyry, with some little noise + ceased to flow, and remained congealed like yellow Wax: after fusion + thereof, by blowing the bellows, there were found eight Ounces of Gold, + wanting eleven Grane. Therefore, one Grane of this Powder, transmutes 19186 + equal parts of Argentvive, into the best Gold. Within the Earth, the + aforesaid Powder is found, or what is in a sort like thereunto, which + transmutes almost an infinite Mass of impure Metal into perfect Gold, by + uniting the same to it self, it defends from Rust, and Ærugo, from + Cankring, and Death, and maketh the same, as it were, immortal, against all + torture of Fire, and Art, and transfers it into the Virgin-purity of Gold; + it requires only heat.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p style="text-align: center"><em>The same </em>Helmont,<em> Of the Tree of +Life.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>I am compelled to believe the Aurifick, and Argentifick Stone; because + at several distinct: times, with my own hand, made projection of one Grane + of this Powder, upon some thousands of Granes of Argentvive hot in a + Crucible; and in the presence of our principal friends, the business, with + a pleasing admiration, succeeded well in the Fire: as our books promise + Thee, &c.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p style="text-align: center"><em>The same.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>He, who first gave me the Powder, had at least, so much thereof, as + would be sufficient for transmuting two hundred thousand pound weight of + Metal, into Gold, &c..</p> +</blockquote> + +<p style="text-align: center"><em>The same.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>For he gave to me not so much as half a grane of that Powder, and with + that were transmuted nine ounces, and three quarters of an ounce of + Argetitvive. That was given me one Evening by a strange Friend, &c.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p style="text-align: center"><em>The same</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>So also it is written, that sixty years since, Alexander Scotus, made + projection of that kinde, in the trust: famous City of <em>Colonia</em> and + <em>Hanovia</em>, &c.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>I cannot in this place over-pass, some Examples worthy of note, touching +the possibility of Transmutation.</p> + +<p>Read the following true Extract out of an Epistle written by Doctor +<em>Kufflerus</em>.</p> + +<blockquote> + <p><em>Kufflerus</em>: Artist, I found-in my own Laboratory, an + <em>Aqua-fortis</em>. Secondly, I again found another in the Laboratory, + <em>Caroli de Roy</em>; this <em>Aqua-Fortis</em> I poured upon the Calx of + <em>Sol</em>, prepared of Gold, in the Vulgar manner, and after the third + Cohobation, it sublimed the Tincture of Gold with it self in the Neck of + the Retort; this Tincture I mixed with Silver, precipited in the vulgar + manner, and I saw that one ounce of the sublimed Tincture of Gold, with + ordinary Flux in a Crucible, had transmuted one ounce, and halfe of the two + ounces of precipitate Silver, into the best Gold: but a third part of the + Silver yet remaining, was a white and fixed Gold: the other two parts + thereof were perfect Silver, fixed in every examen of Fire. This is my + experience, after this time, we could never find the like + <em>Aqua-fortis</em>. I, <em>Helvetius</em> saw this Gold white, and + without Tincture.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p style="text-align: center"><em>The same.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>There is yet one other Example very rare; of what was done at the Hague + by a Silver-Smith, whose name was <em>Grill</em>: how he in the year 1664. + by Spirit of Salt, not prepared in the Vulgar manner, transmuted Lead so, + as from one pound, he received three parts of the best Silver, and two + ounces of most fixed Gold.</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> + <p>At the <em>Hague</em>, a certain Silver-Smith, and a much exercised + Disciple of Alchimy, but according to the nature of Alchimy, a very poor + man; did sometime since require Spirit of Salt, not vulgarly prepared, of a + loving Friend of Mine, a Cloath-Dyer, by name, <em>John Casparus + </em><em>Knottnerus</em>. My Friend giving the same to him; demanded, + whether he would use that Spirit of Salt, he now had, for Metals, or not? + <em>Grill</em> made answer; for Metalls. And accordingly he afterward + powred this Spirit of Salt upon Lead, which he had put into a Glass Dish, + usual for Conditures and Confections. The space of two Weeks being elapsed, + supernatant on the Spirit of Salt, appeared a most splendid Silver-Starre, + so exceeding curious, as if it had been made With an Instrument by a most + ingenious Artist. At the sight of which, the said Grill, filled with + Exceeding Joy, signified to us, that he had seen the Signate Star of + Philosophers, touching which he had read in <em>Basilius</em>, as he + thought. I, and many other honest Men, did behold this Star supernatant on + the Spirit of Salt, the lead in the mean while remaining in the bottom of + an ash colour, and swollen like a Sponge. But in the space of seven or nine + dayes, that humidity of the Spirit of Salt, being absumed by the exceeding + heat of the Aire, in <em>July</em>, did vanish; but the Star settled down, + and still stood above that Earthly Spongeous Lead. That was a thing worthy + of admiration, and beheld by not a few Spectators. At length <em>Grill</em> + himself having taken part of Cinereous, or Ash-like Lead, with the Star + adhering, cupellated in a Test, and found from one ounce of this Lead, + twelve ounces of Cupellate Silver, and from these twelve ounces, he also + had two ounces of the best Gold. And I <em>Helvetius</em> am able to shew + some of this Spongeous Lead with part of the Star yet adhering, & + besides the pieces of the Star the Silver and Gold made thereof. Which when + this Subtile (and Likewise Foolish) <em>Grill</em> understood, he would not + be known to <em>Knottterus</em>, whether he had used the Spirit of Salt, or + not; but thenceforth attempted to learn of him the Art how to make it; yet + some time being Elapsed, the worthy <em>Knottnerus</em> had for got what + Spirit of salt (for he was expert in various kinds thereof) he had given + him; not being able to call the same to mind so suddenly: in the mean + while, he and his Family were visited with the Pestilence and dyed: the + other falling into the Water was drowned. After the death of these two, + none could find out the way of either of their Operations.</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> + <p>Certainly here is cause of Admiration, that the Internal Nature of Lead, + by the simple maturation of Spirit of Salt, should appear in an external + form so noble. No less admirable and wonderful to the mind is this, + <em>viz</em>. that the mirifick Stone of <em>Philosophers</em> can so + exceeding swiftly transmute Metals; having virtue potentially insited in it + self, so as it is deduced into Art, as in Iron by contact of the Magnet. + But touching These enough for the Sons of Art.</p> +</blockquote> +<hr width="80%"> + +<h2 style="text-align: center">CHAP. III.</h2> + +<p><em>Since promises are so much the better esteemed, by how much the sooner +they are fulfilled, I, without any dilation, immediately come to my promised +Declaration of the following History, which thus take</em>.</p> + +<p>At the <em>Hague</em>, on the sixth Calend of <em>January</em> or the +27th. of <em>December</em>, in the year 1666, a certain man came to my House +in the Afternoon, to me indeed planely unknown, but endued with an honest +gravity, and serious authority of Countenance, cloathed in a <em>Plebick</em> +Habit, like to some <em>Memnonite</em> of a middle Stature, his Visage +somewhat long, with some Pock-holes here and there dispersed: his Hairs were +indeed very black, yet not curled, little or no no hair on his Chin, and +about three or four and fourty years of Age: his Countrey (as far as I am +able to conjecture) is the <em>Septentrional Batavia</em>, vulgarly called +<em>Nord Hollund</em>.</p> + +<p>After salutations ended, his new Guest, with great Reverence, asked, +whether he might have freedom to come to me; because for the Pyrotechnick Art +sake, he could not, nor was he willing to pass by the Door of my house; +adding, that he had not only thought to have made use of some Friend to come +to me, but had also read some of my little Treaties, especially that, which I +published against <em>D. Digbies</em> Sympathetick Powder, in which I +discovered my doubt of the true Philosophick Mystery. Therefore, this +occasion being taken, he asked me, whether I could believe, that place was +given to such a Mystery in the things of Nature, by the benefit of which a +Physician might be able to cure all Diseases universally, unless the Sick +already had a defect either of the Lungs, or Liver, or of any like noble +Member? To which I answered. Such a Remedy is exceeding necessary for a +Physician, but no man knows, what and how great are the Secrets yet hidden in +Nature, nor did I ever, in all my Life see such an Adept Man, although I have +read and perused many things, touching the verity of this thing, or Art, in +the Writings of Philosophers. I also enquired of him, whether he (speaking of +the Universal Medicine) were not a Physician? But he answering by denyal, +professed, that he was no other than a Melter of <em>Orichalcum</em>, and +that in the Flower of his years, he had known many things, from his Friend, +rare to the Sight, and especially the way of Extracting Medicinal +<em>Arcanums </em>by the force of Fire, and that for this very cause, he was +a Lover of this so noble Science of Medicine. Moreover, long after other +discourses, touching Experiments in Metals, made by the violence of Fire, +<em>Elias</em> the <em>Artist</em> spake to me thus; Do not you know the +Highest Secret, when it is offered to your sight, <em>viz</em>. the Stone of +Phylosophers, you having read in the Writings of many Chymists most +excellent, touching the Substance, Colour, and strange effect of the same? I +answered, not at all; except what I have read in <em>Paracelsus, Helmont, +Basilius, Sandivogius</em>, and like Books of Adept Phylosophers extant. +Nevertheless, I think, I am not able to know the Phylosophick Matter, whether +it be true, or not, although I should see it present before me. Whilst I was +speaking thus, he pulled out of his Pocket an Ivory Box, in which he had +three ponderous Fragments, in magnitude scarcely equalizing a small Walnut; +these were Glass-like, of the colour of pale Sulphur, to which the Interior +Scales of that Crucible did adhere, in which this most noble Substance was +liquified, for I suppose the Value of it might equalize twenty Tun of Gold. +But after I had plighted my Faith, I held that [Greek: cheimhêlion], [or +pretious Treasure] of this <em>Stone</em>, within these my hands for almost a +quarter of an hour, and from the Philosophick Mouth of the Owner, I heard +many things worthy of note, touching the Wonderful Effect of the same, for +humane and Metallick bodies. Indeed, I, with a sad and afflictedly afflicted +Mind, restored this Treasure of Treasures to him, the Lord and Possessor, who +gave the same into my hand for a very short space of time; and yet I did that +(after the manner of Men overcoming themselves) not without the greatest +action of thanks, as was fit in such a Case. Afterward I asked him, how it +came to pass, (since I had otherwise read, that the <em>Stones</em> of +<em>Philosophers</em>, were endowed with a Rubinate, or Purple Colour) that +this his <em>Philosophick Stone</em> was tinged with a Sulphureous Colour? He +answered me thus: O Sir; this is nothing to the purpose: for the Matter is +Sufficiently mature. Moreover, when I entreated him, that he would give to +me, for a perpetual remembrance, one small part of the Medicine included in +his Box, although no more in bulk than a Coriander-Seed; he denied, +answering: O no! For this is not lawful for me to do, although you would give +me this whole Roome full of Gold in Duckets; and that not by reason of the +price of the Matter, but by reason of another certain Consequence; Yea, +surely, if it were possible, that Fire could be burned with Fire, I would +sooner cast this whole Substance into the devouring Flames of +<em>Vulcan</em>, before your Eyes. A little after this, he also asked me, +whether I had not another Room, the Windows of which were not to the +Street-side; I presently brought this Phænix, or Bird most rare to be seen in +this Land, into my best furnished Chamber; yet he, at his Entrance (as the +manner of Hollanders is, in their Countryes) did not shake off his Shooes, +which were dropping wet with Snow. I indeed, at that very time, thus thought: +perhaps he will provide, or hath in readiness some Treasure for me; but he +dash'd my hope all to pieces. For he immediatey asked of me a piece of the +best Gold-mony; and in the mean while layed off his Cloak, and Country Coat; +also he opened his Bosom, and under his Shirt he wore in green Silk, five +great Golden Pendants, round, filling up the magnitude of the Interior Space +of an Orb of Tin. Where, in comparing these, in respect of Colour and +Flexibility, the difference between his Gold, and mine, was exceeding great. +On these Pendants he had inscribed with an Iron Instrument, the following +Words, which, at my request, he gave leave I should coppy out.</p> + +<p><em>The form of the Pendants, and<br> +words engraven thereon, are as<br> +follows.</em></p> + +<center> + +<table summary="Insciptions on the five pendants of Elias the Artist."> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td align="center">I.<br> + AMEN<br> + Holy, Holy, Holy<br> + is the Lord our<br> + GOD, for all<br> + things are full of<br> + his Power.<br> + Leo: Libra.</td> + <td></td> + <td align="center">II.<br> + The wonderfull<br> + wonder-working<br> + wisdome of JEHOVAH<br> + in the Catholick<br> + Book of<br> + Nature. Made the<br> + 26. day <em>Aug. 1666</em>.</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td></td> + <td align="center"><img + alt="[Alchemical symbols: Gold, Mercury, Silver]" + src="images/alchemical_symbols.png" height="31" + width="75"><br> + The wonderfull<br> + <em>GOD</em>, Nature<br> + and the Spagyrick<br> + Art, make<br> + nothing in vain.</td> + <td></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td align="center">Sacred, Holy Spirit<br> + Hallelujha<br> + Hallelujha<br> + Away Devil,<br> + Speak not of<br> + <em>GOD</em> without<br> + Light, Amen.</td> + <td></td> + <td align="center">The Eternal Invisible,<br> + only wise,<br> + Best of all and omnipotent<br> + <em>GOD</em> of<br> + Gods; Holy, Holy,<br> + Holy, Governour &<br> + Conserver deservedly<br> + ought to be praysed.</td> + </tr> + </tbody> +</table> +</center> + +<p>Moreover, when I, affected with admiration said to him; My Master, I pray +tell me, where had you this greatest Science of the whole World? He answered, +I received such Magnalia from the Communication of a certain Extraneous +Friend, who for certain dayes lodged in my House, professing, that, he was a +Lover of Art, and came to teach me various Arts; <em>viz</em>. how, besides +the aforesaid, of Stones and Crystal, most beautiful precious Stones are made +much more fair than Rubies, Chrysolites, Saphires, and others of that kind. +Also how to prepare a <em>Crocus Martis</em> in a quarter of an hour of which +one only Dose infallibly heals a Pestilential Dysentery Likewise a Metallic +Liquor, by the help of which, every species of the Dropsy may be cured +certainly in four dayes space Also a certain Limpid Water, more sweet, than +Hony, by the help of which, I can extract the Tincture of Granates, Corals, +and of all Glasses blown by Artificers, in the space of two hours in hot sand +only. Many other things like to these he told me, which I neither well +observed, nor committed to memory; because my intention was: carryed further, +<em>viz</em>. to learn the Art of pressing that so noble juice out of Metals +for Metals; but the Shadow in Waters deceived the Dog of his piece of Flesh, +which was substantial. Moreover, this <em>Artist</em> told me that his +Master, who taught him this Art, bad him bring Glass full of Rain water, with +which he mixed a very small: quantity of a most white pouder; commanding me, +(here the Disciple of that Master proceeds in his Discourse) to go to the +Silver-Smith, for one ounce of Cupellate Silver, laminate, [or beat very +thin,] which Silver was dissolved in a quarter of an hour, as Ice in hot +water. Then he presently gave to me one half of this potion, by himself so +speedily made, to drink; which in my mouth tasted as sweet Milk, and I thence +became very cheerful.</p> + +<p>He having related these things, I ceased not to enquire of him, to what +end he had instanced this? Whether the Potion was Philosophick? To this, he +answered, <em>You must not be so curious.</em></p> + +<p>Afterward, he told me, how he, by the command of that Laudable Artist his +Master, took a piece of the Leaden gutter of his house, and when the Lead was +melted in a new Crucible, the said Artist drew out off his pocket a Gasket +full of Sulphureous Powder, of which, he took a very small part upon the +point of a knife, once, and again, and injected the same; upon the Lead in +Flux; presently. giving order, that the fire should be blown with two pair of +Bellows strongly, for exciting the heat more vehemently; a little after he +powred out of the crucible, most pure Gold, upon the Red stones, which were +in the Kitchen.</p> + +<p>I (said this most pleasing discourser to me) did commodiously behold this +verity of the Transmutation of Metals, but was so astonished with fear and +admiration, that I was Scarcely able to speak one word; But my Master +heartning me, said; Cheer, up and be contented: take for your self a +sixteenth part of this Mass, which keep For a <em>Memorandum</em>; but the +other fifteen parts distribute to the poor: and I did as he said.</p> + +<p>For, (if my memory deceive me not) he bestowed this exceeding great Alms, +on the <em>Sparrendamen Church</em>; but whether, he gave it at distinct +times Or not, or whether he told it down in the Substance of Gold, or of +Silver, I asked him not.</p> + +<p>And at length (saith he speaking of his Master) he directly taught me this +great divine Art.</p> + +<p>Therefore, the; Narration of all these things being ended, I most humbly +entreated him, that he would shew me the effect of Transmutation upon impure +Metals, that I thence might have the better assurance of those things by him +related to me, and my Faith being confirmed, securely give credit to the real +Truth of the matter. But he very discreetly gave me the repulse; yet taking +his leave of me, he promised to return again after three Weeks, and then shew +to me certain curious Arts, by Fire, as also the way of projecting; making +this Provisoe, if it should then be lawful for him. The three Weeks being +elapsed, according to his word, he Came to my House, and invited me to walk +abroad with him for one hour, or two, as we both did, having in that Time +Certain, Discourses of the Secrets of Nature in the fire, but in the mean +while, this well spoken Companion in the way, was not lavish, but rather too +sparing of his words, touching the great Secret; affirming, that this +singular Mystery tended not, but to the alone magnifying of the most +illustrious Fame of the most glorious <em>God</em>; and that very few men +considered, how they might; condignly Sacrifice; themselves by their Works to +so great a <em>God </em>uttering these Expressions no otherwise, then as if +he had been a Pastor of the Church. But I, in the mean time, fayled not to +solicit him, to demonstrate to me the Transmutation of Metals. Moreover, I +beseeched and intreated him, to vouchsafe to eat with me, and to lodge in my +house, urging him with such Earnestness, as no Rival, or Lover, could ever +use more perswasive Words, for winning his beloved to a willingness of +gratifying him above all others: but he, agitated by a Spirit of so great +constancy, made void of all I endeavoured. Nevertheless, I could not choose +but speak to him thus: Sir, You see I have a very convenient Laboratory, in +which you may shew me the Metallick Transmutation. For whosoever assents to +him, that asketh, obligeth himself to him. It is true (answered he) bit I +made a promise to you of imparting some things with this Exception, if at my, +Return, I be not interdicted, but have leave to do the same.</p> + +<p>All, and every of these, my requests being in vain, I instantly, and +earnestly besought him, that (if he would not, or by reason of the Heavenly +Interdiction could not demonstrate what I asked) he would only give me so +much of his Treasure, as would be sufficient for transmuting four grains of +Lead into Gold. At this my request, he, after a little while, pouring forth a +Flood of Philosophick Mercy, gave a small particle, as big as a Rape-Seed, +saying: Take of the greatest Treasure of the World, which very few great +Kings, or Princes could ever see. But I, saying my Master, this is so small +particle perhaps will not be sufficient for tinging four granes of Lead. He +answered; Give it me. I, accordingly gave it him, conceiving, good hope of +receiving somewhat a greater particle instead thereof; but he breaking off +the one half almost of it with his thumb-nayl, threw it into the fire, and +wrapping the other up in blew paper, he gave to me, faying, <em>It is yet +sufficient for thee</em>.To which, I with, a sad Countenance and perplexed +Mind, answered: Ah Sir! What mean you by this? Before I doubted, and now I +cannot believe, that so small a quantity of this Medicine will suffice for +transmuting four grains of Lead; O, said he, if you cannot rightly handle +your Lead in the Crucible, by reason of the so very small quantity thereof +then take two drams, or half an ounce, or a little more of the lead, for more +must not be tinged, then well may. To him I again said: I cannot, easily +believe this, <em>viz.</em> that so little of the Tincture will transmute so +great a quantity of Lead into Gold. But he, answered; what I say is true. In, +mean, while, I, giving him great; thanks, inclosed my diminished and in the +Superlative degree concentrated Treasure, in my own Casket, saying: <em>To +morrow I will make this Tryal; and give no notice to any Man thereof, as long +as I live</em>.Not so, not so, answered; he, but all things, which tend to +the Glory of <em>God</em> Omnipotent, ought by us, singularly to be declared +to the Sons of Art that we may live Theosophically, and not at all dye +Sophistically.</p> + +<p>Then, I confessed to him; that when held the Mass of his Medicine, in that +short space of time, I attempted to raze something there-from with my Finger +Nayl, But I got no more, than a certain invisible Atome; and, when I had +cleansed my nayl, and had injected the collected matter, wrapt in paper, upon +Lead in Flux, I could see no Transmutation of it into Gold; but almost the +whole Mass of Lead vanished into Aire, and the remaining Substance was +transmuted into a Glassy Earth. At the hearing of this, he smiling, say'd You +could more dexterously play the Thief, than apply the Tincture. I wonder, +that you, so expert in the Fire, do no better understand the fuming Nature of +Lead. For if you had wrapped your Theft in yellow Wax, that it might have +been conserved from the Fume of Lead, then it would so have penetrated into +the Lead, as to have transmuted the same into Gold. But now a Sympathetick +Operation was performed in Fume, and so the Medicine permixed with the Fume, +flew away: For all Gold, Silver, Tin, Mercury, and like Metals, are corrupted +by Lead Vapours, and likewise converted to a brittle Glass. While he was thus +speaking, I shewed him my Crucible, who, viewing the remaining Substance, +perceived a most beautiful Saffron-coloured Tincture, adhering to the sides +of the Crucible, and say'd, To-morrow at nine of the Clock, I will return, +and shew you; how your Medicine must be used to transmute Lead into Gold. In +which promise of him, I rested secure. Yet, in the mean while, I again and +again requested information of him, whether this Philosophick Work, required +great Charges in the preparing, and a very long Time. O my Friend, answered +he, you very accurately affect to know all things, yet I will open this to +you; The Charge is not great, nor is the Time long. But, as touching the +matter of which our Arcanum is made, I would have you to know; there are +<em>only two Metals and Minerals</em>, of which it is prepared. And because +the Sulphur of Philosophers is more abundant in these Minerals, therefore it +is made of them.</p> + +<p>Then I again asked him: What the Menstruum was, and whether the Operations +were made in Glasses, or in Crucibles. He answered; The Menstruum is a +Celestial Salt, or a Salt of Celestial Virtue, by the benefit of which, +Philosophers only dissolve the Terrene Metallick Body, and in dissolving, the +noble Elixir of Philosophers is produced. But the Operation is, performed in +a Crucible, from the beginning to the end, in an open Fire. And the Whole +Work may be begun, and plainly ended in no longer time, then four dayes: Also +in this whole Work, no greater Cost is required, then the value of three +Florens. Lastly he added; Neither the Mineral, from Which, nor the Salt by +Which, is of any great Price. I again said to him: My Master; This is +strange, for it is repugnant to the sayings of various Philosophers, Who have +writ, that at least seven, or nine Moneths are imployed in this Work. He +answered: The true writings of Philosophers are only; understood by the truly +Adept. Therefore, touching the Time, they would write nothing certain; yea; I +say, no Lover of this Art, can find the Art of preparing this Mystery in his +whole Life without the Communication of some true Adept Man. In this respect +and for this Cause, I advise you, my Friend, because you have seen the true +Matter of the true Work, not to forget your self, and thirsting after the +perfection of this Art, to cast away your own Goods; for you can never find +it out. Then I say'd: My Master, although I am so unknown to you, as you are +unknown to me; nevertheless, since he was unknown to you who shewed you the +way of finding out the Operation of this <em>Arcanum</em>, perhaps you may +also, if you be willing, notifie to me somewhat, touching this +<em>Secret</em>, that the most difficult Rudiments being overcome, I may (as +the saying is) <em>happily add somewhat to things already found out</em>; for +by the occasion of one thing found, another is not difficultly invented. But +the <em>Artist</em> answered: In this Work the matter is not so, For unless +you know the thing, from the beginning of the Work to the end, you know +nothing thereof. Indeed I have told you enough, yet you are ignorant how the +Stone of Philosophers is made, and again, how the Glassy Seal of +<em>Hermes</em> is broaken, in which <em>Sol</em> gives forth Splendor from +his Metallick Rayes, wonderfully coloured, and in which <em>Speculum</em>, +the Eyes of <em>Narcißus</em> behold Metals transmutable, and from which +Rayes the Adept gather their fire, by the help of which, Volatile Metals are +fixed into most fixed Gold, or Silver. But enough for this time, because +(<em>God</em> willing) on the Morrow, we shall have occasion of meeting yet +once more, that we may talk together touching this Philosophick matter; and +according as I said, at nine a Clock, I will come to your House, and shew you +the way of Projecting. But with that happy Valediction for one night, that +<em>Elias</em> the <em>Artist</em> hath left me most sad in expectation unto +this very day. Yea, the <em>Mercury</em> of Philosophers did with him vanish +into Aire; because from him I did no more again hear so much as one word. Yet +he, (because he promised that he would come again to me betimes the next +morning) half an hour before ten, sent to me another unknown man, signifying, +that, that friend, who yesternight promised to revisit me this morning, by +reason of other urgent business, could not come, nevertheless, at three of +the Clock in the afternoon, he would again see me. But after I had, with a +most vehement desire expected him, till almost eight a Clock, I began to +doubt in the truth of the matter. Besides, my Wife also, a very curious +Searcher in the Art of that Laudable man, came to me, troubling me, by reason +of the Philosophick Art, cited in that aforesaid Severe, and Honest man; +saying, Go to, let us try, I pray thee, the Verity of the work, ac cording to +what that man said. For otherwise, I certainly shall not sleep all this +night. But I answered; I pray let us deferr it till to morrow; perhaps the +man will come then. Nevertheless, when I had ordered my Son to kindle the +fire; these thoughts arose in me; That man indeed, otherwise in his +discourses so Divine, is now found the first time guilty of a Lye. A second +time, when I would make Experiment of my Stollen Matter hid under my Nayl, +but to no purpose, because the Lead was not transmuted into Gold. Lastly a +third time, he gave me so very little of the Matter, for tinging so great a +Mass of Lead; that he almost drove me to Desperation. Notwithstanding these +thoughts, I commanded yellow Wax to be brought, wherein to wrap the Matter, +and finding Lead, I cut off half an Ounce, or six Drachmes. My Wife wrapped +the Matter of the Stone in the Wax, and when the Lead was in Flux, she cast +in that little Mass, which, with Hissing and Flatuosity, so performed its +Operation in the Crucible well closed; as in one quarter of an hour, the +whole Mass of Lead was transmuted into the best Gold. Certainly, had I lived +in the Age of <em>Ovid</em>, I could not have believed, any +<em>Metamorphosis</em> more rare, than this of the Chimical Art; but if I +could behold things with the hundred Eyes of <em>Argus</em>, I should +scarcely see any work of Nature more admirable, for this Lead, mixt with the +Stone of the Wise, and in the Fire melted, demonstrated to us a most +beautiful colour, yea, I say, it was most green; but when I poured it out +into a [Cone, or] fusory Cup, it received a colour like Blood, and when it +waxed cold, shined with the colour of the best Gold: I, and all who were +present with me, being amazed, made what haste we, could with the Aurificate +Lead (even before it was through cold) to a Gold-Smith, who after a precious +Examen, judged it to be Gold most excellent, and that in the whole world, +better could not be found; withall, adding, that for every Ounce of such +Gold, he would give 50 Florens.</p> + +<p>The next day, the rumour of this wonderful Metallick Transmutation was +spread all over our <em>Hague</em>; whence many illustrious men, and lovers +of Art, made hast to me, among which, by name, the General Examiner of the +Moneys of this Province of Holland, D<sup>n.</sup> <em>Porelius</em>, came to +me, with certain other most illustrious men, earnestly desiring, that I would +communicate to them some small particle of my Artificial Gold, to prove it by +legitimate Examens: these, for their curiosity sake, I willingly gratified; +and we went together to the house of a certain very curious Silver-Smith, by +name <em>Brechtelius</em>, in whose Workhouse, the Excellency of my Gold was +evidenced, by that form of Probation, which Skilful Artists call. +<em>Quarta</em>, <em>viz.</em> when they in a Crucible melt three or four +parts or Silver, with one part of Gold, and then by hammering, reduce that +mixture into thin Plates, on which they pour a sufficient quantity of +Aquafortis, by which the Silver is dissolved, but the Gold settles to the +bottome, like a black powder. Afterward, the Aquafortis is poured off, and +the golden powder, is again put into a Crucible, and by strong fire reduced +to Gold.</p> + +<p>But when this work was ended, we supposed, that one half of the Gold was +vanished, yet in very deed it was not so: for we found that the Gold, besides +its own weight, had transmuted some part of the Silver into Gold, viz. two +drams of the Gold, transmuted two scruples of the Silver (through the +abundance of its Tincture) into like Gold Homogeneal to it self.</p> + +<p>After this, we, suspecting that the Silver was not well separated from the +Gold did presently make a mixture: with seven times as much Antimony. And +after this Examen, we lost eight grains of Gold; but when I had again +evaporated the Antimony, I found nine grains of Gold, yet in colour somewhat +pale. Thus, in the best Tryal of fire, we lost nothing of this Gold, And this +infallible kind of Probation, I thrice performed in presence of those most +noble and illustricsus Men, and found, that every Dram of Gold acquired from +the Silver for an augmentation to it self, one Scruple, of Gold: and the +Silver, is pure good, and very flexible. So according to this, the five drams +of Gold, attracted to it self from the Silver, five Scruples; and (that I may +together, and at once, comprise all that remains to be said) the whole weight +that that Laudable Powder, in quantity so exceeding small, did transmute, was +six drams, and two Scruples, of a more vile Metal, into Gold, in such wise +fixed, as it was able perseveringly to sustain the most intense Torture of +Fire.</p> + +<p>Behold! thus have I exactly, from first to last, commemorated this +History. The Gold I indeed have, but where, or in what Land or Countrey. +<em>Elias</em> the <em>Artist</em> is at this day hospited, I am wholly +ignorant for he told me, his purpose was to abide in his own Country no +longer then this Summer; that after he would travil into <em>Asia</em>, and +visit the <em>Holy Land</em>. Let the most wise King of Heaven (under the +Shadow of whose divine Wings he hath hitherto layn hid) by his Administratory +Angels accompany him in his intended Journey, and prosper it so as he living +to a great Age, may with his inestimable Talent greatly succour the whole +Republick of Christians, and after this Life gloriously behold, and take of +the prepared Inheritance of Life Eternal. <em>Amen.</em></p> +<hr width="80%"> + +<h2 class="center">CHAP. IV.</h2> + +<p>Therefore, now to compleat my promise, I will forthwith betake my self to +the Dialogue or, Colloque between <em>Elias</em> the <em>Artist</em>, and me +the <em>Physician</em>.</p> + +<p class="center"><em>Elias</em> the <em>Artist</em>.</p> + +<blockquote> + <p><em>God</em> save you, Master <em>Helvetius</em>! If I may not be too + troublesome, I desire to have the freedom of Discoursing with you for a + little time, because I have heard, that you are a curious Indagator of + natural things. For I have perused your Books, and among them, especially + that whole Treatise, which you write against the effect of Sir <em>Kenelm + Digbies</em> Sympathetick Powder, where it is gloried, that the same, can + at distance cure all Wounds. Assuredly I am incredibly delighted in those + things, which are beheld in this Speculum, whether Sympathetick, or + Antipathetick, naturally implanted in Creatures. For the inexhausted + Treasures of the Divine Light and Deity, no less abundantly, than liberally + granted to us, may best of all be known from all the Creatures, which are + produced either under the Ætherial Heaven, or in the belly of the Earth, or + in the Womb of the Sea, to the end, that by their potentially insited + virtues, they should restore health to the Mortal Body of Men.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Helvetius</em> the <em>Physician</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>O Sir! The presence of such a new Guest shall never be troublesome to + me, but rather I receive you as one of my best Friends. For Philosophick + Discourse, touching the Secrets cf Nature, is the only recreation of my + Mind, also it is such convenient Salutiferous Nutriment, as no man can be + worthy to taste of, before he shall be rightly disposed for that Banquet. + Enter, I pray, Friend, into the House.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Artist</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>Indeed Sir! Here, as it seems to to me, you have a compleat Vulcanian + Shop, and perhaps all these things Spagyrically and exactly drawn from, the + Mineral Kingdom; but I pray, to what end so many Medicaments? I believe, + that <em>God</em> in the things of Nature, naturally gives such Medicines, + with a very few of which, we may much sooner, and more safely re-integrate + the decayed, and languishing Health of Man, unless the Disease be Mortal, + from a deficiency of Nature, or from the putrefaction of some noble + internal part hurt, or by reason of a total absumption of the radical + humidity in which desperate Cases, no Galenick Cure, or Paracelsick + Tincture can yeild releif. But in ordinary Diseases it is not so; and yet + here, very many Men, before the fatal term of Life be expired (<em>abfit + Nemesis dicto</em>) are enforced to pass out of this fair Kingdom of + pleasing Light, into the Shadowed Land of the Dead, whilst, either they + neglect the health of their own Body, or commit the same to the Faith of + Physicians, unskilful of the Remedy they have in their hand.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Physician.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>As far as I can gather from your discourse, if my Judgement deceive me + not, you are either a Physician, or a man expert in Chimistry. Certainly, + according as you say, so I believe, that in the things of Nature are given + other more excellent Medicaments, as also very many other Philosophers + affirm, that there is a certain (although to few known) Universal + Medicament, by the benefit which, we may prolong Life unto the appointed + End, cure all Diseases otherwise uncurable, and many other such things. + But, where is any among all the Wisest men of this world, that can shew us + the way, how to find out so noble a Fountain, whence such a wonderful + Medicamentous juice, nobilitating the Physician, is drawn? Perhaps no one + man.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Artist</em>.</p> + +<blockquote> + <p>Indeed, I am not a Physician, but only a Melter of Orichalcum, and + almost from my Child-hood, have exercised my Ingeny in Pyrotechny, and so + have sought out the internal Nature of Metals And although I now cease from + my usual diligence in elaborating some accurate work, by the Art of + <em>Vulcan</em>, yet my mind still takes delight in labours of that kind, + and in the lovers of this most curious Spagyrick Art; and I do verily. + believe and judge, that the most Wise <em>God</em>, will in this our age + communicate <em>gratis</em>, or for nothing, the Metallick Mysteries of + Nature to his Spagyrick Sons, <em>Praying</em>, and Physico-chimically + <em>Labouring</em>.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Physician</em>.</p> + +<blockquote> + <p>My Friend, I must needs grant this, that <em>God</em>, for nothing, + communicates to his Sons, this laudable <em>Good</em>, as well as all other + gifts; yet you shall very rarely hear, that he for nothing gives or vends + this Medicamentous Wine or <em>Nectar</em> to his Sons. For we certainly + know, how great a number of Chymists lived in former ages who, (according + to the Proverb ) strove to draw water in a Sieve, whilest they presumed to + prepare this Universal <em>Stone</em> of Philosophers. Besides, out of the + books of them, who triumph in the glory of Adept, no one man can learn the + way of preparing, nor know their First Matter, so as any one, searching to + the lowest roots of Mountains, can never ascend to those their Heights, + where <em>Ambrosia</em>, and <em>Nectar</em> of <em>Macrosophists</em>, is + drank.</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> + <p>In the mean time, it is the part of a good Physician, since he wants + such an Universal <em>Elixir</em>, (not without the daily study of + conserving his Conscience pure and sound) to adhibit to the Diseases of the + Sick, commended to his Cure, such Curations; or Remedies as for restoring + Sanity as in which he (from the effect) certainly knows, that a virtue of + healing is incited.</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> + <p>Wherefore, in all desperate Diseases, I, with many other Practitioners, + do alwayes use such most simple Medicaments, that thence the Diseased may + soon be restored to their Pristine state of Health, or to a better than the + Pristine.</p> + + <p>For indeed, various and diverse kinds of Salts, are generated in the + Glandules and Lymphatick Vessels, after the putrefaction of this, or that + nutriment taken, which afterward wax florid in various Humours, for diverse + Diseases, either Internal, or External. Experience teacheth, that as many + as are the Constitutions, or Complexions of humane bodies, to so many + diversities of Diseases the same are obnoxious; although in one manner, and + the same Disease, as our daily conversation evidenceth to us in those who + drink Wine, whence divers Operations manifestly discover themselves.</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> + <p>Because <em>Peter</em> drinks Wine, he labours with an angry, I will not + say, furious mind.</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> + <p>On the contrary, <em>Paul</em> drinking Wine, seems to imbibe his mind + with an Agnine Timorousness.</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> + <p>But <em>Matthias</em> sings, and <em>Luke </em>weeps.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Also</em>,</p> + +<blockquote> + <p>Touching the Scorbutick Contagious Venome, <em>viz</em>. of + <em>Peter</em>, his radical juice in the Lymphatick Vessels, and Glandules, + is converted into an Acidity, stopping the passages, and all Organs of the + whole body, whence, under the Skin, arise Spots on the Arms and Legs of a + blewish colour, but in times of Pestilence, they swell like Pepper + Corns.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Also</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>The juice of <em>Pauls</em> parts is changed into an Aperitive + Bitterness; whence, under the Skin of the Arms and Legs, arise red Spots, + pricking like the bitings of Fleas; but in a Pestilential time, they are + Blanes.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Also</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>The juice of <em>Matthias</em> his parts, is converted into a sweetness + easily putrifying; whence, under the Skin of Arms and leg, arise watery + Tumours, almost such as are conspicuous in Dropsical Persons; but in time + of the Pest, they are Pestilential Tumours.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Also</em>,</p> + +<blockquote> + <p>The juice of the parts of <em>Luke</em>, is changed into a Saline, and + drying sharpness; whence, under the Skin of the Arms and Legs, arise + Precipitations of the ordinary Ferment of the Flesh, and Exficcations, as + usually happens in this Atrophia, yea most frequently in the true Atrophia. + But in the Pest, they become most ardent Buboes, with madness, even until + death.</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> + <p>Behold, my Friend, no Physician, by one only Universal Medicament, can + heal the Evil of this Scorbutick, or Pestilential, or Febrile Venome, but + indeed, by the Mediation of some particular Vegetable, or Mineral Remedy, + given to us from <em>God</em> in Nature, he may exterminate the same. For, + as I cannot heal, or help all Scorbutick Persons, with one only Scorbutick + Herb, as Scurvy-grass, or Sorrel, or Fumitory, or Brooklime; so, much less + of a certain remedy made of these diverse Species congested into one; + because, between the Herbs Scurvy-grass and Sorrel, there is an Antipathy, + as between Fire and Water; and so there is the same Antipathy between the + Herbs Fumitory and Brook-lime.</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> + <p>Therefore, the Correctory of <em>Peters</em> Scorbutick Saline acid + tinging Venome, is made with the Volatile bitter Salt of Scurvy-grass.</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> + <p>But the Correctory of <em>Pauls </em>Scorbutick Saline bitter tinging + Venome, is made with the acid fixed Salt of the Herb Sorrel.</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> + <p>The Correctory of <em>Matthias</em> his Scorbutick sweetish, and + moistning tinging Venome is made by the help of the fixed bitter drying + Sulphur of the Herb Fumitory.</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> + <p>And the Correctory of <em>Lukes </em>Scorbutick tinging Saline and + drying Venome, is made with the help of the sweet moistning <em>Mercury + </em>of the Herb Brook-lime, or red Colewort, as from the External + Signature of these Herbs, it is easie to judge of the Internal Specifick + Remedy against there diverse Scorbutick Disease. Certainly, my Friend, if + this be observed by a prudent Physician, he must needs doubt of the + Universal Medicine.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Artist.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>All you have discoursed of, I can easily grant; yet very few Physicians + use this Method of healing. Yet, in the meanwhile, it is not impossible, + that an Universal Medicine should be given in the highest Mineral Kingdome, + by the benefit of which we may perform and administer all things, which are + by you related to me, touching the lowest Kingdom of Vegitables; but the + most wise <em>God</em>, for several weighty reasons, hath not on all + Philosophers promiscuously conferred this most magnificent + <em>Charisma</em> of Supereminent Science, but hath revealed it only; to a + very few. According as all the Adept, with one mouth, confess, and say: + <em>The Science is true, And, the verity thereof not to be doubted.</em></p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Physician</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>Sir, besides the above commemorated, there are also other Observations; + strenuously refuting the Operation on an Universal Medicine, partly in + respect of the Age and strength of Man, partly by reason of the Sex, and + other Circumstances, whilst a difference is to be made between the tender, + and the Robust, whether from Nature, or from Education; or between the Male + and Female, or between a Young Man and a Virgin, or between the Beginning, + Middle, or End of Diseases; or it is to be understood whether a Disease, be + inveterate, or the Sick be lately invaded; or lastly, whether the Ferment + be promoted in this Disease, or be precipited in in another. Effervescency + is made either in the Stomach or in the Intestines. Assuredly there are + many contradictions of the Wonderful effect, of the Universal Medicine. For + the greatest part of rational Physicians want the Perspicil of <em>Thomas + Didymus</em> in their Fingers.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Artist</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>Indeed, Sir; you have philosophised rightly, and well, yea, Arthodoxly, + against the universal Medicament, according to that notorious, and far + spred proverb. <em>As many Heads, so many Senses.</em> For as Sweet + sounding Musick delights not the Ears of every <em>Midas</em>; nor doth the + Same History related please all Historians; nor of Bread and Wine, of the + same Taste, is there a like relish in all Palats. So also the judgements of + Skilful Men do strangely differ, touching the wonderful Effect of this + Universal Medicine, on Humane and Metallick Bodies. For this Universal + Medicine, in its way of Operating, vastly differs, from a particular + Medicine, which may in some sense be called Universal, as the Herb + <em>Scurvy-grass</em>, curing every Scorbutick marked with blew Spots; or + <em>Sorrel</em>, healing every Scurvy, noted with red Spots; or + <em>Brook-lime</em>, healing an Atrophia of that Kind, or <em>Fumitory</em> + remedying Tumors of that Kind: and that especially with such Physicians, + with whom the Observation you before recited, is of any esteem. Moreover, + there is an exceeding great difference between the Universal Medicine of + Philosophers, refreshing the vital Spirits, and between a Particular + Medicament of Proletary-Curation, with which is corrected the venom of + Humors; <em>viz.</em> such as boyles up against Nature, in this Man, Acid; + in that Man, the Bitter is predominant; in one, what is Saline, in another, + what is sharp, grow potent. But, if these Corrupt humors be not without all + delay presently expelled out of the Body, by the ordinary Emunctories of + Nature either by the Belly, or by Urine of the Bladder, or by the Sweat + through the Pores, or by the Spittle of the Mouth, or by the Nostrils, + assuredly the corruption of one, becomes the Generation of another, + <em>viz.</em> of a Disease. For, from every spark, if we do not timely + extinguish it, an exceding great burning will arise. Also, if there be a + defect, of the Vital Spirits, it is impossible to effect this. Therefore + the only care of a Conscientious Physician should be, how to deduce the + motion of the Vital Spirits to a digestible natural Heat, and that is best + of all, and most securely performed by the Operation of our Universal + Medicament, by which they are found to be notably recreated. For as soon as + this more than perfect Medicine hath driven the Morbifick Evil from the + Seat it occupies, then immediately it infuseth the lost Sanity, and that + only from the Harmony, or Sympathy it self, which the Vital Spirits, and + this Medicine, have mutually in themselves. Wherefore, it, by the Adept, is + called the Mystery of Nature, and the Defensive of old Age, against all + Diseases. Which, I say, even in a most pestilent Season, most full of + contagious Diseases every where raging, makes of man a Salamander, bearing + such Epidemical Plagues of Heaven displeased, until the utmost term of his + Life be expired.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Physician</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>As far as I, beloved Friend, can understand, this Medicine makes not for + the Emendation of depraved Humours, but is chiefly conducent for the + recreation of the Vital Spirits. Besides, among practical Chimists, this + Secret is taught, <em>viz. </em>that by the Spayrick Art, it may be + commonstrated, how the pure should be separated from the impure, and by the + same, how the Immature are rendred mature, and how the Bitter are corrected + into sourish, and the sourish into Sweet, and the Sharp into Gentle, and + the Gentle into Sharp; and the Acid into Sweet, and the Sweet into Acid. + Also this Laudable Medicine of Philosophers, according to my understanding, + cannot prolong Life, beyond the term prefixed from above, but only preserve + from the Effect of all Venimous, or otherwise mortiferous Diseases: and so + it is certainly true, as is commonly believed, that the prolongation of + Humane Life depends, on the Will of the Omnipotent <em>God</em> only. But, + omitting these, I would here ask this one Question. Whether by the use of + this Universal Medicine, the pristine Nature of Man may be converted into + New, so as a Slothful Man may degenerate into a Diligent, or stirring Man, + and a Man, who before was by Nature Melancholy and Sad, afterward became + Jovial, Chearful, and full of Joy, or like alterations, reformations, + permutations, or vicissitudes happen in the Nature of Man?</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Artist.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>Not at all Sir. For so great power was never conferred on any + Medicament, that it could change the Nature of Man. Wine inebriating, taken + by diverse individual Men, in him, who is drunk, changeth not his Nature + but only provokes, and deduceth into act, what is naturally, and + potentially in him, but before was as it were, dead. Even so is the + Operation of the Universal Medicine, which by recreation of the Vital + Spirits, excites Sanity, for a time only suppressed, because it was + naturally in him before; even as the heat of the Sun changeth not Herbs, or + Flowers, but only provokes the same, and from the proper potential nature + of them, deduceth them into act only. For a Man of a Melancholy temper, is + again raised up to exercise his own Melancholy matters; and the jovial Man, + who was pleasant, is recreated in all his chearful actions, and so + consequently, in all desperate Diseases it is a present, or most excellent + Preservative. Hence a Man, presaging that some evil will befal him, will + rather prevent than be prevented. But if any prolongation of Life, by some + Philosophick Medicament, could have been induced, against the + predestination of the Omnipotent <em>God</em>, undoubtedly neither + <em>Hermes Trismegistus</em>, nor <em>Paracelsus</em>, nor + <em>Raymundlully</em>, nor the Count <em>Bernhard</em>, and many more like + illustrious Possessors of this great <em>Mystery</em>, would not have + yeilded to the common death of all Mortals, but perhaps have protracted + their Life until this very Day, Therefore, it would be the part of a + fanatick, and foolish Man to affirm this, yea of a most foolish Man, to + believe, and assent to the same, touching any one Medicament in the things + of Nature.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Physician.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>My Friend, whatsoever you have spoken no less regularly, than + fundamentally, touching the Operation of the Universal Medicine, I indeed + cherefully, and willingly grant, but as long as I am ignorant of preparing + the same rightly, I do no other than attempt to carry my Boat from a very + small Lake, into the Vast Ocean, because it will certainly be driven back + to the Shore, without any Fruit. For although many of those illustrious Men + have written somewhat touching that laudable preparation, yet they involved + that in such a Wrapper of shadowed Caution, as the Footsteps of them + latently demonstrated, can be known by few or none of the most diligent + Readers, who should follow them so far, as until they come where they would + be. Also, who is so wealthy, and well informed, as to be able, and to know + where to buy all those Books, in which, here, and there an Hypothesis of + this kind is handled: betides, you may consume the greatest part of your + life, before you can gather thence any sufficient knowledge, or the direct + manual Operation. Therefore it is best for us to abide patiently in our + Laboratory, praying to the blessed <em>God</em>, according to that + Saying:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p><em>Ora, ac Labora; & Deus dat omni hora.</em></p> + + <p>Labour, and Pray; God gives alway.</p> + </blockquote> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Artist</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>You argue rightly enough Sir. For, from the writings of Philosophers, + this Art of Arts is most rarely learned; but the Sense them is very well, + and clearely understood by the Manuduction of some Adept Philosopher. But + let us hence pass to the Transmutative Effect of this most noble Tincture, + touching which, the possessors, or many of the Adept, have written many + Books, and the most of their Genuine Disciples, labouring much in the Fire, + did at length compleatly attain to the wished End of their + <em>Arcanum</em>,</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Physician</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>I perceive your Mastership takes pleasure in passing from the use of the + Medicine, to the infinite Transmutation of Metals. Although I could easily + believe the possibility of Art, <em>viz.</em> that a Chymical Experiment of + that kind was in the Adept, as I have also made mention above, touching + that Experiment of Dr. <em>Kifflerus</em> who, with the Tincture of one + ounce of Gold transmuted 1 ounce & half of Silver into the best Gold, + not to mention the Experiment of <em>Helmont</em>; nor of <em>Scotus</em>, + which he made in the most famous Cities of <em>Colonia</em>, and + <em>Hanovia</em>; nor much to insist on that illustrious, and well known + Example, manifested at <em>Prague</em>, before <em>Cæsar Ferdinando</em> + the third, himself; where with one only grain of the Tincture, three pounds + Mercury were transmuted into most noble Gold; insomuch that I am brought no + less into a neccessity, than into a Will of believing, that the Art may be + true; yet I cannot to this hour sufficiently receive it without some doubt, + because with these my Eyes, I never in all my Life saw the Man, who was the + true possessor thereof.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Artist.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>Sir, you say true? yet Art will be Art, whether you can believe it or + no. Even as is seen in the Magnet. How it by its own insited Sulphureous + Virtue, of Iron, by Contact presently makes a Magnet. Although you will not + believe, that such wonderful Operations are latent in it, yet they are, and + will remain true. So also you should Judge of the Stone of Philosophers, in + which is all that the Wise seek. And because the clouded Writings of them, + can be understood, and explained but by very few, it is to be desired + earnestly by all, and with the hands it must be endavoured, that some one + General Epitomen of the whole Art, may so be made, as in a very short space + of time, and without much labour, all things necessary may be gathered, by + the help of which, a most easy Transition to real Authors, might be + effected. Now since you have presented some few Examples, by which you + endeavour to assert the confirmed possibility of the Matter; I my self will + here shew to you the True Matter of Secret Philosophers. Behold it! Look + well upon it.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Physician.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>So my Master, Is this Sulphureous, and Yellow Glassy Substance the very + Philosophick Matter? And are you your self the Possessor of this Science? I + am ready to believe you do but jest with me. I pray Sir, tell me the Truth, + whether it be really so, or not?</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Artist.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>Yes, Matter Doctor, You now have within your hand, the most pretious + Treasure in the World. For this is the true Stone of Philosophers, than + which, no Man ever had a better, nor shall have any other. And I my self + did elaborate the Composition, from beginning to end. If you have another + convenient Chamber, I will Shew you Metal transmuted into Gold, by such a + Stone as this (When I had brought him into another Chamber.) Behold (said + he) these five Pendants, were, by the benefit of this Philosophick + Tincture, prepared of Saturn, or Lead; which I wear for a perpetual + Remembrance of my Master. But I suppose, you, having perused many Writings + of the Adept, seeing the Substance, and Nature of this Stone, will very + sufficiently know the true Matter, or rightly understand the same.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Physician.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>I understand by your self, that you had a Master, from whom you rather + learned your Art, than acquired the same, by your proper Labour and + Invention. And although I now have seen that Substance, which you affirm to + be the true Tincture of Philosophers, as also those five Pendants, + nevertheless I am still left ignorant, and in doubt, whether it be true or + no. Therefore, I earnestly again and again request of you, to confer on me + only so small a part of that matter, as will suffice to transmute only four + grains of Lead into Gold, that you may this way remove from me all Scruple + or Doubt, and render me so much the more certain of the verity of the + Matter. Give me but the magnitude of one grain only, or of a + Coriander-seed, that thence a Specimen, or Probation, may be exhibited, + either in some desperate Disease, or in a Metallick Transmutation.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Artist.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>I do confess, that a certain Man of good Condition, to me wholly + unknown, by demonstrating taught me; First, the possibility of + transmutation; secondly the way of preparing also. And this is that + Infallible Art, touching which you have no reason to doubt. But whereas, + you request that I should give you one small part of my Treasure; that is + no wise lawful for me to do, although, you would give as a Recompense, so + many Ducats, as this whole Room, from the bottom to the top, would contein; + and that not by reason of the estimation of the Matter, because it is of + small Price, but for another weighty Reason, in respect of which, if it + were possible, that Fire could be consumed by Fire, I would at this time, + rather cast this whole Mass into the devouring Flames, before your Eyes. + Wherefore, in the meanwhile, I admonish you, not to be so eager in coveting + this so great Science. For you have this day seen more in my possession, + than many Kings, and Princes could ever behold, although they eagerly + desired to see the same. Besides, I think of comming to you again, after 3 + Weeks, then I will shew to you certain excellent Arts, and Manuductions in + the Chymical Science. Also, if it shall then be lawful for me, to shew you + the way of Transmutation, I will truely satisfie your Curiosity therein. In + the mean while, I bid you farewel, withal, admonishing, that you take heed + to your self, and meddle not with such a great, and profound Labour, least: + you miserably loose both your Fame, and substance in the Ashes like some + other covetous inquisitors, of the same most noble Art.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Physician.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>Now, what shall I do, my Master? If it happen, that, by reason of your + Philosophick Oath, confirmed by that small draught of Silver, dissolved in + Rain-water, it shall not be lawful for you to give me that requested + exceeding small part of the Tincture so wonderful. You cannot be ignorant, + that I (according to your suspicion) am in mind anxious, and earnestlie + desirous of tasting of this so noble Science. Yea, I do verilie think, if + <em>Adam</em> himself, the first Patriark of the World (who was once driven + out of Paradice, for eating the Apple of either Wisedom) were yet living in + this our Age, he would not forbear again the Taste of this Golden Apple, + from the Garden of Atlantis.</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> + <p>Your Mastership said: Manie Princes could not see this which I have + seen. I, indeed have seen the Matter, of which you give so rare a + Testimony; but in the mean while I have not beheld the transmutative + Effect; only I give credit to your Words. And, since you have told me, that + you will go hence, and after three Weeks return to me again, to teach me + some excellent Chymical Arts, as also the way of projection, if it shall + then be lawful for you. In the fruition of this good hope, I at this time + rest satisfied; in the mean time, giving you hearty thanks, for your + exceeding great Friendship shewed to me alreadie, and, for your singular + Care, and faithful admonition, that I should not in Chymical Labours, + consume both my Goods and Reputation. I assuredly have never yet made tryal + of so great, and high things, nor ever will I attempt the me, unless your + self will first <em>gratis</em>, and from the pure benevolence of + Friendship, demonstrate to me, the way and manner of preparing. Yet I shall + admire the Verity of Art, and please my self with the Remembrance of the + Friendship you have shewed me; because you, who have revealed this to me, + are an Adept Philosopher.</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote> + <p>But if any King, or Prince, or any Great Man, or Men, should know, that + you are the Possessor of this Art, and therefore (which <em>God</em> + forbid) should lay hold of you, and attempt by Tortures to bring you to a + discovery, would you reveal this Art to them?</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Artist.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>I have not shewed the Stone of Philosophers to any man, except to one + aged man, and to your self; to both of you, I have revealed that I am the + Possessor; but, henceforth, no man must ever see or hear such a thing. And + although any King, or Prince, should (which <em>God</em> I hope will not + permit) cast, me into Prison, I would not, after the manner of + Circumforanean Physicians [or Mountebanks] or Vagabond Impostors or of poor + Alchimists, directly, or indirectly, discover the Art to them, but would + rather suffer my self to be most cruelly wracked, tortured, or tormented + with burning Fire, untill my life expire.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Physician</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>Good Friend, are there not Authors, which, touching the verity of this + Art, write more plainly, then all the number of them, which, concerning it, + utter words so obscure, as perhaps they themselves did not understand, + unless they adhibited the. Commentaries, and Annotations of evident + Paraphrasists. I suppose you have in times past read them, and therefore + are best able to inform me, who were Adept.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Artist.</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>Master Doctor, I indeed read not, nor have I read many Books, yet among + those I have read, I find no Authors more curious, than + <em>Sandivogius</em>, especially in that Book, which is Entituled + <em>Cosmopolita</em>, in Dutch, <em>Borger Der Werelt</em>. Also Brother + <em>Basilius</em> in in his twelve Keys. As to <em>Sandivogius</em>, this + Author you may peruse, untill I return, as I said: for in his obscure words + the truth is latent, even as our Tincture of Philosophers is both included, + and retruded, in External Minerals, and Metallick Bodies.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Physician</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>Sir, I give you thanks, for this so great friendship. I shall do + according to your advice, and as to what you say, touching the Objects of + the Tincture, I easily assent to, and grant; for I believe that the + wonderful, and efficacious Essences of Metals, are hid under the external + Rinds and Shells of Bodies, although I find very few so well exercised, and + experienced in the Fire, who know how to uncase the Kernel, according to + the Rule of Art. Every External, and Robust Substance, of any Animal, + Vegetable, or Mineral, is the Body, like unto that Terrestrial Province, + into which (as <em>Isaac Holland </em>hath prescribed) excellent Essences + spiritually enter. Wherefore, it is needful, that the Sons of Art should + know, how by some Saline suitable Ferment, grateful to the Metallick + Nature, they may subdue, dissolve, separate and concentrate, not only the + Magnetick Metallick virtue of Tinging, but also, how they may multiply the + same in its own Philosophick Homogeneal Golden, or Silvery-manner. For we + see, that the bodies of all Creatures, are not only easily destroyed, but + thenceforth also the Internals cease to live, and hasten to the dark + Shadowings, in which they were, before they, by the Creation of + <em>God</em> the Creator, were brought to Light. But what Man will discover + to us this Art in the Metallick Kingdom?</p> +</blockquote> + +<p class="center"><em>Artist</em></p> + +<blockquote> + <p>You say well, and have rightly judged of the Natural Destruction of + things, and if it shall be pleasing to the most merciful <em>God</em>, to + deal graciously with you as He hath done with me; He, according to your + good hope, will direct some one of the Adept to demonstrate, to you the way + of destroying Metals, and of collecting the Internal Souls of them. But, in + the mean while, do you invoke the most Wise <em>God</em>, to whose Vigilant + Eyes I commend you, which are always open upon his Sons, regenerated to him + by Christ. Again Farewel, and rest assured, I will be your Friend. I must + at this time go hence, but I hope to see you again in good health, ere it + be long.</p> +</blockquote> + +<p>Thus my new Friend took his Leave, and went away; it leaving me, his +Friend, most sad for the space of three Weeks, which being expired, according +to his Word, he returned, and gave me the Tincture, as you may learn by the +above-recited History. After this, that Philosophick Man of <em>God</em> went +from me, and I never more saw him, from that time, unto to this very day, nor +could I hear of him by any of the Carriers, or Posts, or by any of my +Intimate Acquaintance.</p> + +<p>Nevertheless, he left with me (as a Spurre) the acute Memory of, him, +reposted in my minde, as also the Opinion of <em>Paracelsus</em> affirming, +that by Metals, of Metals, and with Metals, cleansed, Spiritual, and first +depurated from their feculency, are made Metals, and the Living Gold and +Silver of Philosophers, as well for Humane, as for Metallick Bodies. +Wherefore if that Guest, my Friend of but little acquaintance, had exactly +shewed to me, the way of preparing preparing this Celestial Spiritual Salt, +by which, and with which, from Corporeal, and Earthly Substances, I might, as +it were, in the Matrix of them, collect the Spiritual Rayes of <em>Sol</em> +or <em>Luna</em>: assuredly, He from his own Light, would have enkindled in +me so great a Light, as I should have seen, and understood how I ought in +other Corporeal Metals, by Sympathy to transmute the Eternal Soul of them so, +as by the help thereof they had clarified, or transformed their own like +body, either into Gold, or into Silver, according to the disposition of the +Red seed, into a Red Body, or according to the Nature of the White Seed, into +a White Body. For <em>Elias</em> the <em>Artist</em> affirmed to me, that the +Chalybs Of <em>Sandivogius</em> is that true Mercurial Metallick Humidity, by +the help of which, without any Corrosive, the Artist might, in an open Fire, +and Crucible, separate the fixed Rayes of <em>Sol </em>or <em>Luna</em> from +their own Body, and thenceforth make them Volatile and Mercurial, for the Dry +Philosophick Tincture, as he demonstrated to me; and communicated somewhat +relating to the transmutation of Metals. Indeed all men well skilled in the +Chymical Science, have a necessity of assenting to me in this, <em>viz.</em> +that <em>Pyrotechny </em>is the Mother, and Nurse of various noble Sciences +and Arts. For they can easily judge from the Colours of the Chaos of Metals +in the Fire, what Metallic body is therein. Even so dayly in the bowels of +the Earth are procreated Metals, and Perspicuous Stones, from a proper noble +vaporous Seed, from a Spiritual tinging Sulphureous Seed, in their diverse +Saline Matrixes. For the common Sulphur, whether of an impure, or pure Metal +whilst conjoyned with its own body, mixt with Salt Peter only in the burning +heat of Fire is easily changed into a most hard and most fixed Earth, but +this Earth is thenceforth by the Aire easily changed into a most limpid +Water: and this Water afterward, by a more strong Fire, according to the +Nature of the Metallick pure or impure Sulphur mixt is converted into Glass, +admirably Well tinged with various Colours. Almost in the very same +manner,from the White of an Egge is generated a Chick by natural heat. So +also from the Seminal bond of Life of any one Metal, is made a new, and more +noble Metal, by an heat of Fire convenient to the Saline Nature; although +very few Chimists rightly and perfectly know, how the Internal, and alwayes +moving Magnetick virtues, are distinguished according to the Harmony, or +Disconsonancy of them. Whence we see, this Metal hath a Sympathy or Antipathy +with another, so very singular, as is found in the Magnet with Iron, in +Mercury with Gold, in Silver with Copper, a very remarkable Sympathy, but on +the contrary, there is a notable Antipathy in Lead against Tin, in Iron +against Gold, in Antimony against Silver, in Lead against Mercury. Infinite +other like Sympathetic, and Antipathetick Annotations occurr in the Animal +& Vegetable Kingdom; as you may read and find in various Authors, who +have written of such Curiosities, from the accurate, and absolute Knowledge +of which, the true Philosophers, and Masters of Nature had their beginning, +and Esteem.</p> + +<p>Thus have I described, what I my self have seen and done; and have caused +the same to be printed for you, Candid Readers, out of mere Liberality, +<em>gratis</em> communicating it, according to that of <em>Seneca</em>: I +desire in this to know somewhat, that I may teach others. <em>Si cum hac +Exceptione detur Sapientia, ut illlam inclusam tencam, abjiciam, &c.</em> +But if any man doubt of the real truth of this matter, let him only with a +lively faith believe in his Crucified Jesus, that in Him, he (by the strict +way of Regeneration) may become a New Creature; in the same let him fix the +whole Anchor, of his Faith, and likewise shew his [Greek: philanthropia], or +Love of Mankind, unto all his Neighbours, and especially exercise the works +of Mercy, and Brotherly Love towards the needy Members of the Christian +Religion, that at length, when the whole Course of his Life is justly, and +holily finished, in that Fatal and Mortal hour, he may hence, through the +Watery Ocean of this Tempestuous and Rocky World, arrive in safety at the +most blessed Port of Eternal Rest, and sing the New Song with the Triumphing +Philosophers of the Heavenly <em>Jerusalem</em>, of which he hopes to take, +who is,</p> + +<p class="center">Your most faithful and assured Friend</p> + +<p class="center"><em>John Frederick Helvetius</em>,</p> + +<p class="center">Doctor and Practitioner of Medicine at the +<em>Hague</em>.</p> +<hr width="80%"> +<br> +<br> +Transcriber's note: Repeated word "perused" deleted<br> + +<br> +<br> +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 14641 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/14641-h/images/alchemical_symbols.png b/14641-h/images/alchemical_symbols.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..5baa57d --- /dev/null +++ b/14641-h/images/alchemical_symbols.png |
