Medicina Practica: OR, Practical Physick 1692
Medicina Practica:
OR, Practical Physick
Containing
As all Sorts
of Aches and Pains, Apoplexies, Agues, Bleeding, Fluxes, Grip∣ings, Wind, Shortness of Breath, Diseases of the Breast and Lungs, Abortion, Want of Appetite, Loss of the use of Limbs, Cholick, or Belly-ach, Apostems, Thrushes, Quin∣sies, Deafness, Bubo's, Cachexia, Stone in the Reins, and Stone in the Bladder: With the Preparation of the Praecipiolum, or Universal Medicine of Paracelsus.
To which is Added, The Philosophick works of
Hermes Trismegistus,
Kalid Persicus,
Geber Arabs,
Artefius Longaevus,
Nicholas Flammel,
Roger Bachon,
And George Ripley.
Whereunto is annexed.
1. The preparation of the Praecipiolum of Paracelsus.
2. The Key of Helmont and Lully.
3. The Opening of Sol and Luna.
Together with a singular Comment upon the First Book of HERMES, the most Ancient of Philosophers.
The Whole Compleated in Three Books.
By WILLIAM SALMON,
Professor of Physick.
London, Printed for T. Howkins in George-Yard in Lombard-street, J. Taylor at the Ship in St. Paul's Church-Yard; and J. Harris at the Harrow in the Poultrey, 1692.
Medicina Practica: OR, Practical Physick.
Shewing The Method of Curing the most Usual Diseases happening to Humane Bodies.
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CHAP. XLVIII. Of the Alchymie of Mercury.
I. ARgent Vive, which is also called Mer∣cury, is a Viscous Water in the Bowels of the Earth, by most temperate heat United, in a total Union, through its least parts, with the substance of White sub∣til Earth, until the humid be contemperated with the Dry, and the Dry with the humid equally. There fore it easily runs upon a plain Superfices, by reason of its watery humidity, but it adhers not, although it has a Viscous humidity, by reason of the dryness of that which Contemperatesit, and permits it not to adhere.
II. This is also as some say, the matter of Metals with Sulphur, and easily adheres to three Minerals, viz. Sa∣turn Jupiter and Sol, but to Luna more difficulty, and to Venus more difficulty than to Luna; but to Mars in no wise but by Artifice. Hence you may collect a very great Secret. For it is amicable and pleasing to the Metals, and the Me∣dium of conjoyning Tin∣ctures; and nothing is sub∣merged in Argent Vive, un∣less it is Sol. Yet Jupiter, and Saturn, Luna and Venus, are dissolved by it, and mixed; and without it, can none of the Metals be gild∣ed. It is fixed, and the Tincture of Redness, of most exuberant perfection. and fulgid splendor; and receeds not from the Com∣mixtion, till it is in its own nature. But it is not our Medicine in its Nature, but it may sometimes help in the Case.
III. Of the Sublimation of Argent Vive. This Work is compleated with its Ter∣restreity is highly purified, and its Aquosity wholy re∣moved. We remove it not by adustion, because it has none, so the Art of separa∣ting its superfluous Earth is to mix it with things, where with it has not Affinity, and often to reiterate the Sub∣limation from them. Of this kind is Talck, and the Calx of Egg-shells, and Calx of white Marble, as also Glass in most subtil Pouder, and every kind of Salt prepared, for by these it is cleansed; but by other things having affinity with it, (unless they be bodies of perfection) it is rather Corrupted, because all such things have a Sulphureity, which, ascending with it in Sublimation, corrupt it. And this you may find to be true by Experience, be∣cause, when you sublime it from Tin, or Lead, you find it, after Sublimation, infected with blackness. Therefore its Sublimation is better made by those things which agree not with it; but it would be better, by things with which it does agree, if they had not Sulphureity. Wherefore this Sublimation is better from Calx, than from all other things, because that agrees little with it, and has not Sulphureity.
IV. But the way of re∣moving its superfluous a∣quosity, is, that when it is mixed with Calces, from which it is to be sublimed, it be well Ground and com∣mixt with them by Imbibi∣tion, untill nothing of it appear, and afterwards the Wateriness of Imbibition removed by a most gentle heat of Fire, which re∣ceeding, the Aquosity of Argent Vive receeds with it; yet the Fire must be so ve∣ry Gentle, as that by it, the whole substance of Ar∣gent Vive ascend not.
V. Therefore from the manifold reiteration of Im∣bibition, with Contrition, and gentle Assation, its grea∣ter Aquosity is abolished, the residue of which is re∣moved, by repeating the Sublimation often. And when you see it is most white, excelling Snow in its whiteness, and to ad∣here (as it were dead) to the sides of the Vessell; then again reiterate its Sub limation, without the fe∣ces, because part of it ad∣heres fixed with the Feces, and can never by any Art or Ingenuity be separated from them. Or, after∣wards, fix part of it as we shall teach you; and when you have fixed it, then rei∣terate Sublimation of the part remaining, that it may likewise be fixed.
VI. Being fixed, reserve it, but first prove it upon Fire: if it flow well, then you have administred suffi∣cient Sublimation; but if not, add to it some small part of Argent Vive sublim'd, and reiterate the Sublima tion till your end be accom plished: for if it has a Lu∣cid and most white Color, and be porous, then you have well sublimed it; o∣therwise, not therefore in the preparation of it made by Sublimation, be not negligent, because such as its cleansing shall be, such will be its Perfection, in projecting of it upon any of the imperfect Bodies, and upon its own Body un∣prepared.
VII. Yet here note, that some have by it formed Iron, some Lead, others Copper, and others Tin; which happened to them through negligence in the Preparation; sometimes of it alone, sometimes of Sul∣phur, or of its Compeer Arsenick, mix with it. But if you shall by Subliming, directly cleanse and perfect this Subject, it will be a firm and perfect Tincture of Whiteness, the like of which is not in being be∣sides.
VIII. Of the Coagulation of Mercury Coagulation is the reducing a Liquid body to a solid Substance, by privation of the humidity: and is of Service. 1. For Indurating Argent Vive, which needs one kind of Coa∣gulation. 2. For freeing dis∣solved Medicines from their watriness, which requires a∣nother. Argent Vive is coa∣gulated two ways: One by washing away its whole in∣nate humidity from it: the other by Inspissation, till it be hardned, which is a laborious work. Some thought the Art of its Co∣agulation was to keep it long in a temperate Fire, who when they thought they had coagulated it, af∣ter removal of it from the Fire, found it to flow as be∣fore; whence they judged the work Impossible.
IX. Others, from natu∣ral principles, supposing that every humidity must necessarily by heat of Fire be converted into Dryness, indeavored by Constancy and perseverance, to con∣tinue the Conservation of it in the Fire, till some of them converted it, into a White-Stone; others into a Red; others into a Citrine; which neither had Fusion, nor Ingress; for which cause they also cast it a way.
X. Others endeavoured to coagulate it with Medi∣cines, but effected it not and so were deluded, for that, 1. They either coagulated it not. 2. Or else it was insensibly ex∣tenuated. 3. Or the Coa∣gulation was not in the form of a body: the reason of which things they knew not.
XI. Others compounding Artificial Medicines, coa∣gulated it in projection; but that was not profitable, because they converted it into an imperfect Body, the cause of which they could not see. The reason, and causes of these things therefore we think fit to de∣clare, that the Artificer may come to the know∣ledg of his Art.
XII. Now, as the sub∣stance of Argent Vive is U∣niform, so it is not possible in a short time, by keeping it constantly in a continued Fire to remove its Aquosity; so that too much haste was the cause of the first Error. And being of a subtile sub∣stance, it receeds from the Fire; therefore excessive Fire, is the cause of the Er∣ror of those Men, from whom it flies XIII. It is easily mixed with Sulphur, Arsenick, and Marchasite, by reason of Community in their Na∣tures: therefore it appears to be Coagulated by them, not into the form of a Bo∣dy, but of Argent Vive mix∣ed with Lead; for these being fugitive, cannot re∣tain it in the Contest of Fire, until it can attain to the nature of a Body; but through the Impression of the Fire, they fly with it; and this is the cause of the Error of them who so Coa∣agulate.
XIV. Also Argent Vive has much humidity joyned to it, which cannot possibly be separated from it, but by Violence of Fire warily adhibited, with con∣servation of it in its own Fire: and they by aug∣menting this its own Fire, as far as it can bear, take a way the humidity of Ar gent Vive, leaving no part sufficient for Metalick Fusi∣on, which being taken away it cannot be Melted, which is the cause of their Error, who coagulate it into a Stone not fusible.
XV. In like manner, Argent Vive has Sulphureous parts naturally mixt with it; yet some Argent Vive has more, some less, which to remove by Artifice is impossible. Now seeing it is the property of Sulphur mixt with Argent Vive, to create a Red or Citrine Co∣lor (according to its mea∣sure) the ablation of that be∣ing Made, the property of Argent Vive is by Fire to give a white Color. This is the cause of the variety of Colors, after its Coagu∣lation into a Stone. Like∣wise it has the Earthiness of Sulphur mixt with it, by which all its Coagulations must necessarily be infected. And this the cause of the Er∣ror of those who coagulate it into an imperfect Body.
XVI. Therefore it hap∣pens from the diversity of the Medicines of its Coagu∣lation, that divers bodies are Created in its Coagu∣lation; and from the Di∣versity of that likewise, what is to be coagulated. For if either the Medicine, or that, has a Sulphur not fixed, the body created of it, must needs be soft: but if fixed the body must ne∣cessarily be hard. Also, if White, White; and if Red, Red; and if the Sulphur be remiss from White or Red; the Body likewise must be remiss; and if Earthy, the body must be imperfect; if not, not so. Also every not fixed Sulphur creates a Livid body; but the fixed, as much as in it lies, the Contrary: and the pure substance of it creates a pure body; the not pure, not so.
XVII. Also the same di versity doth in like manner happen in Argent Vive a∣lone, without the Commix∣tion of Sulphur, by reason of the diversity of Purifica∣tions and preparations of it in Medicines. Therefore an Illusion happens from the part of the Diversity of the Medicines; so that some∣times in the Coagulation of it, it is made Lead, some∣times Tin, sometimes Cop∣per, sometimes Iron; which happens by reason of Impu∣rity. And sometimes Sil∣ver or Gold is made thence, which must needs proceed from Purity, with conside ration of the Colors.
XVIII. But Argent Vive is Coagulated by the fre∣quent precipitation of it with Violence, by the force able heat of strong Fire. For the Asperity of Fire ea∣sily removes its Aquosity, and this Work is best done by a Vessel of a great length, in the sides of which it may finde place to Coole and Adhere, and (by reason of the Length of the Ves∣sel) to abide, and not fly, till it can again be precipi∣tated to the Fiery hottom of the same; which must al∣ways stand very hot, with great Ignition: and the same precipitation be con∣tinued, till it be totally fixed.
XIX. It is also Coagu∣lated, with long and con∣stant retention in the Fire, in a Glass Vessell, with a very long Neck, and round belly, the Orifice of the Neck being kept open, that the humidity may vanish thereby. Also it is coagula∣ted by a Medicine conveni∣ent for it, which we will shew anon: which Medi∣cine is of it, and is that, which most nearly adheres to it, in its profundity; and is commixed throughly in its least parts, before it can fly away. Therefore there is a necessity of collecting that, from things conveni∣ent to it, or agreeing with the same: Of this kind are all Bodies, also Sulphur, and Arsenick.
XX. But because we see not any of the Bodies in its nature to coagulate it; but that it flys from them, how neerly soever they agree together; we have there∣fore considered, that no Bo∣dy adheres to it in its inmost parts. Wherefore, that Me∣dicine must needs be of a more subtil substance, and more liquid fusion than Me∣tals themselves are. Also by Spirits, remaining in their nature, we see not a Coagulation of it to be made, which is firm and stable; but fugitive, and of much infection. Which indeed happens by reason of the flight of the Spirits; but the other from the com∣mixtion of the Adustible and Earthy substance of them.
XXI. Hence then it is manifestly evident, that from whatsoever thing the Medicine thereof is extra∣cted that must necessarily be of a most subtil and most pure substance, of its own nature adhereing to it; and of liquefaction most easie, and thin as water; and also be fixed against the violence of fire. For this will coa∣gulate it, and convert the same either into a Solar or Lunar nature: Studiously exercise your self upon what we have spoken, and you will find the Mystery out.
XXII. But that you may not blame us, as if we had not sufficiently spoken thereof, we say, that this Medicine is extracted from Metalick Bodies themselves, with their Sulphur, or Arse∣nick prepared: Likewise from Sulphur alone, or Arse∣nick prepared; and it may be extracted from Bodies only. But from Argent Vive alone, it is more easily, and more nearly, and more perfectly found; because nature more amicably em∣braceth its proper nature, and in it more rejoyces than in any extraneous nature; and in it is a facility of ex∣traction of the substance thereof, seeing it already hath a substance subtil in Act. Now the ways of ac∣quiring this Medicine, are by sublimation, as is by us sufficiently declared: And the way of fixing it follows. But the way of Coagulating things dissolved, is by a Glass in Sand, with a tem∣perate fire, until their aquo∣sity vanish.
XXIII. The way of fixing Argent Vive, is the same with the way of fixing Sul∣phur and Arsenick; and these waies differ not, unless that Sulphur and Arsnick cannot be fixed if their most thin inflamable parts, be not se∣parated from them, with the subtil Artifice of divid∣ing, by this ultimate way of fixation. But Argent Vive has not this confideration, therefore in this method, they need a greater heat than Argent Vive. In like man∣ner they are diversified, be∣cause these (Sulphur and Arse∣nick) must be elevated higher by reason of their slowness, than Argent Vive; and also because they require a longer time to be fixt in, and a longer Vessel for their fixa∣tion.
XXIV. Of the Medicine Coagulating of Argent Vive. It is taken from such mat∣ter, as the matter it self is (viz. as we have before de∣clared) and that is, because Argent Vive, (seeing it is easi∣ly made to fly, without any Inflamation,) may suddenly adhere to it, in its profun∣dity, and be conjoyned with it, in its least parts, and likewise inspissate, and con∣serve it in the fire by its own fixation, until it be better able to sustain the force of Fire, consuming its humi∣dity; and convert it by the benefit of this, in a moment, into true Solifick and Luni∣fick, according to that for which the Medicine was prepared.
XXV. But seeing, we find not any thiug more to agree with it, then That, which is of its own nature, therefore by reason of this, we judged, that with That, the Medicine thereof might be compleated; and we en∣deavoured by Art to make the Form of the Medicine agreeable to the same, viz. That it be prepared in the method and way now men∣tioned, with the instance of long continued labour; by which all the subtil and most pure substance of it, may be rendred perfectly White in Luna, but intensly Citrine in Sol.
XXVI. Now this cannot be compleated, so as to cre∣ate a Citrine Color, with∣out the mixtion of a Thing tinging it, which is of its own nature. But with this most pure substance of Ar∣gent Vive, the Medicine is perfected by this our Art, which most nearly adheres to Argent Vive, and is most easily fluxed, and coagulates it, for it converts it into a true Solifick and Lunifick, with Preparation of that al∣ways preceeding.
XXVII. The grand Que∣stion is, from what things this substance of Argent Vi∣ve may best be extracted? To which we Answer: It must be taken from those things in which it is: But according to Nature, it is as well in Bodies, as in Ar∣gent Vive it self, seeing they are found to be of one Na∣ture: In Bodies more diffi∣cultly; in Argent Vive more nigh, or easily, but not more perfectly. Therefore of what kind soever the Medicine is to be, the Me∣dicine of this Pretious Stone, must be as well sought in Bodies, as in the substance of Argent Vive.
XXVIII. But as to the Fixing of Argent Vive, you must know, that it may be done, without being turned into Earth, and likewise fixed with conversion of into Earth. For by hasten∣ing to its fixation, which is made by precipitation, it is fixed and turned into Earth. Also by the successive subli∣mation of it often repeated, it is fixed likewise, and not changed into Earth, but gives Metallick fusion. This is manifest to, and proved by him who has experien∣ced both fixations thereof, even to the Consummation of the Work; both by the ha∣sty precipitation; and also by the slow, with continually repeated sublimations.
XXIX. This therefore is because it has a viscous and dense substance, the sign of which is the grinding of it by Imbibition, and mixtion with other things. For Viscosity is manifestly per∣ceived in it, by the much adherency thereof. That it has a dense substance, he that has but one Eye, may manifestly see by its aspect, and by poising the vast Weight thereof. For while it is in its own Nature, it exceeds Gold in weight, being of a most strong Composition. Whence it is manifest, that it may be fixed without consumption of its humidity, and with∣out conversion of it into Earth.
XXX. For by reason of the good adherency of parts, and the strength of its mixtion; if the parts of it be any wise inspissate by Fire, it permits it self no farther to be corrupted; nor suffers it self (by the In∣gress of a furious flame into it) to be elevated into fume; because it admits not of Rarefaction, of its self, by reason of its density, and want of Adustion, which is made by combustible sul∣phureity, which it hath not.
XXXI. Hence is seen; First, The Causes of the Cor∣ruption of every of the Metals by fire, which is, 〈◊〉. From the Inclusion of a burning sul∣phureity in the profundity of their substance, dimini∣shing them by Inflamation, and exterminating them also into fume, with extream con∣sumption of whatever Ar∣gent Vive, is in them of good Fixation. 2. From a multiplication upon them, of an exterior flame, pene∣trating, and resolving them with it self into fume, of how great fixation soever, that which is in them is. 3. From the Rarefaction of them by Calcination, for that the flame or fire, does then penetrate into, and ex∣terminate them. Therefore if all Causes of Corruption concur, such Bodies must needs be exceedingly cor∣rupt: But if not all, the corruption is according to the number and proportion of the Causes which remain.
XXXII. Secondly, The Causes of Goodness, and purity of each Metal. For seeing that Argent Vive, for no Causes of Extermination, permits it self to be divided into parts in its compositi∣on, (because it either with its whole substance receeds from the fire, or with its whole remains permanent in it) there is necessarily observed in it a cause of per∣fection: For it is that which overcomes Fire, and by Fire is not overcome, but it ami∣cably rests, rejoycing there∣in, possessing Perfection, as we have found, with an Approximate Potency.
XXXIII. Of the Purifica∣tion of Argent Vive. It is cleansed two ways, either by sublimation, of which we have shewed the way al∣ready; or by way of a Lavament, of which the way is this. Put Argent Vive into a Stone, or Earthen Dish, and pour upon it as much Vinegar, as is suffici∣ent to cover it: Set it over a gentle fire, and let it heat so far, as you may well hold your Fingers in it, and no more. Then stir it about with your Fingers until it be divided into most small Particles, in the similitude of Powder; and continue stirring it, until all the Vi∣negar be wholly consumed: After which wash away the Earthiness remaining with Vinegar, and cast it away: Repeating this washing so often, till the Earthiness of the Mercury is changed into a most perfect Coelestine colour, which is a sign that it is throughly washed.
XXXIV. Of the Nature of Argent Vive. There is a necessity of removing its Su∣perfluities, for it has Causes of Corruption, viz. an Earthy substance, and an adusti∣ble watriness without In∣flamation. yet some have thought it to have no super∣fluous Earth and Unclean∣ness, but that is vain, and not true: For we see it to consist of much lividness, and not of whiteness; we see also a black and Fecu∣lent Earth, to be separated from it, with easie Artifice, by a Lavation, as abovesaid. But because we are by that to acquire a two-fold perfe ction, viz. 1. To make a Medicine. 2. To perfect it. Therefore we must necessa∣rily prepare the same by the degrees of a two-fold purification; for two clean∣sings of Mercury, are neces∣sary. One by Sublimation for the Medicine, which shall be here shewed: The other by a Lavament for coagulation, which we have shewed at Sect. 33. above.
XXXV. For if we would make a Medicine of it, then there is a necessity to cleanse it from the foeculency of its Earthiness by sublimation, least it create a livid color in projection; and also to remove its sugitive watri∣ness, lest it make the whole Medicine fugitive in proje∣ction, and to keep safe the middle substance thereof sor Medicine; of which the Property is not to be burn∣ed, but to defend from combustion, and not to fly it self, but to make sixed, which is a perfection by manifold Experiences. For we see Argent Vive more nearly to adhere to Argent Vive, and to be more be∣loved by the same; but next to it Gold has place, and after that Silver.
XXXVI. Wherefore bence it follows, that Argent Vive is more friendly to its own nature; but we see other Bodies not to have so great conformity to, or unity with it; and therefore we find them in very deed, less to partake of the nature thereof. And whatsoever Bodies we see more to de∣fend from adustion, those we judge to partake more of the nature of it; there∣fore it is manifest, that Ar∣gent Vive is the perfective and salvative from Adusti∣on, which is the Vltimate of Perfection.
XXXVII. The second degree of its Purification, is for its Coagulation: And the washing away of its earthi∣ness, for one day only is sufficient for it; the method of which washing we have largely declared, at Sect. 33. aloregoing: Being there∣fore so throughly washed, project upon it the Medi∣cine of Coagulation, and it will be coagulated into a Solifick or Lunifick substance, according as the Medicine was prepared. From what is now said, it is manifest, that Argent Vive is not per∣fective in its nature; but that matter is, which is pro∣duced of it by our Art. And so likewise, is it in Sulphur and Arsenick. There∣fore in these it is not possi∣ble to follow nature, but by our natural Artifice.
XXXVIII. It is also un∣deniably manifest that bo∣dies containing the greatest quantity of Argent Vive are bodies of perfection. Where∣fore it is to be supposed, that those bodies are more nigh to perfection, which more amicably imbibe Ar∣gent Vive. The sign of this is the easie susception of Ar∣gent, Vive by a Solar or Lu∣nar body of Perfection. For this same reason, if a body altered do not easily receive Argent Vive into its Sub∣stance, it must needs be very remote from this per∣fection spoken of.
XXXIX. The preparation of Argent Vive. Take of it one pound: Vitriol Rubified, two pounds: Roch Alum Cal∣cin'd, one pound: Common Salt, half a pound: Nitre, four ounces: Incorporate all together and sublime. Gather the white and Dense, and pon∣derous, which will be found about the side of the Ves∣sel, and keep it for use. Now, if in the first Subli∣mation, you shall finde it Turbid or Unclean (which may be thro Carlesness) sublime it again, with the same Foeces, and reserve it as before.
XL. The Regiment of Mer∣cury. It is done two ways. 1. You must Amalgamate it, well washed and puri∣fied as under directed. 2. You must Distill it and thence make an Aqua Vitae or Spirit of Wine. The first wav. Take of Mercu ry 40 Ounces, of Sol. of Lu∣na, of Venus, of Saturn, ana one Ounce, melt these bo∣dies first the Venus and Luna, secondly the Sol, thirdly Sa∣turn: Take all out of the Fire; having melted them in a large Crucible, and your Mercury in readiness, made hot in ano∣ther: and when the said Me∣tals begin to harden, pouer in the Mercury Leisurly, stir∣ring the mixture with a stick, setting it again on the Fire, and taking it off, untill they be all amalgamated, with the whole Mercury. This Amal gama put to be dissolved for seven days, Extract the wa∣ter with a Cloth, make the residue Volatile, giving Fire of Ignition. This again imbibe with its whole water, and put it to be generated, and again to be dryed for forty days, and you will finde a Stone, which put to be fixed, so will you have a Stone augmentable to Infinity. In this Book we have expounded all things which we have written in divers Books.
XLI. The sublimation of Mercury. If you would per∣fectly sublime it, you must add to every pound of it, common Salt two pound and a half, Salt-Peter half a pound: mortify the Mer∣cury wholly, grinding it all together with Vinegar, un∣til nothing of the Mercury appear living in the mix∣ture, then sublime it ac∣cording to Art. It is a thing profitable.
XLII. The Sublimatioa of Red Mercury. Take one pound of it, mix and perfectly grind it with Vitroil, Nitre, ana one pound, and sublime it from them Red and splen∣did.
XLIII. Out of all that has been said it appears with evident Demonstrati∣on, that our Stone is pro∣created out of the substance of Argent Vive: But to un∣lock the Closure of Art, you must study to resolve Luna or Sol into their own dry water, which the vulgar call Mercury: And it is so, that a duodenary proportion (of the solutive water) may contain only one part of the perfect body. For if with gentle fire, you well govern these, you will find (in the space of 40 days) the body converted into mere water: and the sign of its perfect dissolution is blackness, appearing on its Superfices.
XLIV. But if you en∣deavour to perfect both Works, the White and the Red, dissolve each of the ferments by themselves, and keep them. This is Our Argent Vive extracted from Argent Vive, which we intend for Ferment. But the Paste to be fermented, we extract in the usual man ner from imperfect bodies. And of this we give you a general Rule, which is, That the White Paste is extracted from Jupiter and Saturn; but the Red from Venus and Sa∣turn: But every Body must be dissolved by its self in the Ferment.
XLV. Sulphur we have proved is corruptive of eve∣ry kind of Perfection: But Argent Vive is perfective in the Works of Nature, with compleat Regiment. So we, not changing, but imitating Nature, (in Works possible) do likewise assume Argent Vive in the Magistery of this Work, for a Medicine of each kind of Perfection, viz. both Lunar and Solar, as well of Imperfect Bodies, as of Argent Vive Coagulable. And seeing there is a two∣fold difference of Medi∣cines, one of Bodies, but the other of Argent Vive truly coagulable, we shall here discourse it.
XLVI. The matter per se, of this Medicine of eve∣ry kind is one only, already sufficiently known. Take therefore that, and if you will work according to the Lunar Order, learn to be expert in Operating, and prepare that, with the known ways of this Magi∣stery. The intention of which is, That you should divide the pure substance from it, and fixt part there∣of, but leave a part for ce∣rating; and so proceeding through the whole Magi∣stery, till you compleat its desired fusion. If it sud∣denly flows in hard Bodies, it is perfect; but in soft Bo∣dies, the contrary. For this Medicine projected upon any of the Imperfect Bo∣dies, changes it into a per∣fect Lunar Body, if the known Preparations have been first given to this Me∣dicine: But if not, it leaves the same diminished, yet in one only difference of Perfection it perfects, as much as depends on the Administration of the Or∣der of a Medicine of this kind. But this due Admi∣nistration not preceeding, according to the third Or∣der, it perfects in projection only.
XLVII. A Solar Medi∣cine (of the Second Order) of every of the imperfect Bodies, is the same matter, and participates of the same Regiment of Preparation. Yet in this it differs, viz. in the greater subtiliza∣tion of parts, by proper ways of digestion, and in the commixtion of subtil Sulphur (under the Regi∣men of Preparation admi∣nistred) with the addition of the matter now known.
XLVIII. The Regiment of it is the fixation of pure Sulphur, and the solution thereof: For with this the Medicine is tinged, and with it projected upon e∣very of the Bodies dimini∣shed from perfection; it compleats the same in a So∣lar Complement, as much as depends upon a Medicine of the Second Order, the known and certain prepa∣ration of the imperfect body preceeding. Also the same projected upon Luna, per∣fects it much, in a peculiar Solar compleatment.
