ABout fiue yeares past I published a short discourse for the Assertion of Chymicall Physick , and of true Potable gold , containing these heades or Chapters . 1. Whether gold may be so dissolued , that it become truly potable . 2. That the highest and most powerfull excellencie of Medicines is in Mettals . 3. That amongst all Mettals gold hath the prerogatiue , concerning the Physicall vse of Medicine . 4. Of what manner is the Art , and mystery to dissolue gold , and distill it vp : which commonly is called , Drawing ouer the helme . 5. That it were requisite by publike question to examine and try this truth of this Magisterie , that so the mouth of all gainsayers might be stopped . 6. That Potable gold deserueth the name of a Generall or vniuersall Medicine : and of the manifold vse , and efficacie of mine owne Potable gold .

This Treatise of mine , containing a simple , naked and plaine deliuerie of a simple and naked truth , and therefore as simply and plainly in words and style set forth , though it really satisfied both here and in forraine parts many learned men , Iudiciall louers of truth , yet it wanted not the common lot of all vertues , to finde maleuolent eyes and detracting encomberers : such as may seeme either with blinde zeale , or ignorant opinion of omniscience , rather to repine at a fee lost , then desire the true knowledge of that , which they neuer intending to labour for , yet ambitiously desire an imputation of criticall knowledge therein . The sand of this descent was chiefely , if not only in London . The Issue , none haue greater cause to mourne for , then the Printers for want of vtterance , or rather they which bare the charge of printing : for vnto Iudiciall Readers , those labours of theirs , though they were tedious and nauseous , yet some recreation followed in laughing at so much obstetrication of such mountaines in the parturition of such ridiculous mice . I hope none will expect a cryquit answer of me to their most powerfull arguments , being , in the most modest terme , a shamble of impotent and effrenat scolding : but rather truth and matter against falshood & words , leauing their tongs and goose-quils , to the iudgement and censure of their owne reformed and better aduised hearts : of which my charitie perswades me not wholly to despaire : knowing some learned gentlemen of the same company , not the same minde , ready to blush at such a publication , which all the learned men of Christendom do laugh : And who can fancy such barking Rhetoricke , wherein not only good words , are made the measures of madnes , but precious houres are consumed in frothy rablings ? If they be still of the same spirits , I wish them thereof full contentment therein : And that therefore they would in some hollow craggy place stretch out their own straines , that 1000. exchange of interest might bountifully returne them their delightfull termes and Syllogismes in this their new Barbara . But this my Apologie shall with much tranquillity , I hope , answer them , defend mine owne reputation and integritie , vindicate this verity questioned ; giue estimation to potable gold , and make the vse thereof more common . According to which intentions I haue diuided this Treatise in three parts . In the first shall be proued and maintained that which in my first printed booke was deliuered concerning gold , that it may be made potable and medicinable , and be esteemed for a kinde of generall Medicine , or neere thereto . In the second I will satisfie and sufficiently prooue by irrefragable testimonies , and examples , that this my Medicine so much canuased , both is made and doth consist of gold , and also performeth the true effects , mentioned to be incident vnto potable gold . In the third part I will shew and teach the way how to vse this Medicine in euery particular disease . That all pacified and indifferent persons , fauorers of truth , and embracers of Gods blessings , may enioy the fruition thereof . Some circumstances also I haue hereunto annexed , such as are pertinent to this our intent .

It is a controuersed question : Whether there bee or may bee made a generall or vniuersall Medicine , good for all Diseases . Many hold the negatiue . If they speake precisely of all Diseases without distinction , I say as they doe , and consent . For there be many fatall , mortall and Incurable Diseases , against which all consultation and counsell of Physicke is bootlesse . Therefore that my assertion of a generall Medicine be rightly vnderstood , I desire my meaning to bee truly and distinctly taken . For I know that some diseases be natiue and hereditarie : some caused by some outward and superuenient chance or accident : some proceeding of simple distemper : some of humors ioyned therewith . Those which are natiue and hereditarie , are generally thought , and for the most part be all incurable , though they may in some kinde receiue alleuiation and ease : And some of them also in the title of those which happen by superuenient accident : As luxations , lamenesse , Impotencies , want or superfluitie of some ioynt , blindnesse , deafenesse , Ambiguitie of sexe , &c. And these so farre as they be restaurable and capable of Cure , are chiefely vnder that part of this facultie which is called Surgerie , and requireth the hand , though not alwaies and in all cases . But those Infirmities and Diseases of the other kinde , proceeding of inward causes within the body , such as , for the most part , be all Maladies whereupon all Rationall Physitions are exercised , if by administration of one Medicine they all ( I meane , so long as they are accounted curable by Rationall Physitions ) may be eased , mitigated and perhaps perfectly cured , surely such Medicine , ought and may be accounted respectiuely a generall Medicine . For as that Physition is to be accounted perfect , and a generall Master of his Art which knoweth according to his title , facultie and profession , how to cure all diseases , though he leaue and giue ouer some as incurable ; not for wnat of fit meanes and skill in all cases of possibilitie , but through ineptitude and indisposition of the subiect being vncapable of redintegration : So also that shall be accounted a Medicine vniuersall , which cureth most and the greatest diseases , though not all : not through defect of efficacie in the Medicine it selfe , but respectiuely for the inhabilitie of the subiect .

This also may be proued by reason deriued from 1 The first reason . those Medicines of Rationall Physitians , which for the multiplicitie of their operatiue extent to many intentions , and curing of many diseases , are called Polychresta , that is , of many vses . For if there be among them such as be helpful not to one only singular affection , but to many different diseases , why is it not likewise consequent and reasonable that by help of Art , a Medicine may be made much more comprehensiue of efficacie vpon diseases ? And as it may bee made to exceede in one degree , so in 2. 3. 4. 100. and from Polychreston , of many vses , be Catholicon , vniuersall , of all vses . The reason is all one to reasonable men .

If obiection be made , that such Polychrest is artificially made by composition of many things , wherin are diuersitie of natures . And this vniuersall of one onely , which implieth an impossibilitie of different and contrary operatiue faculties : to this I answere , that Polychrests are made out of Simples without commixtion : As from Rheubarbe , Vineger , Lead , Niter , Vitriall , Opium , Camphire , and many other , wherof some doe both loose and knit , some do heate and coole , some haue other contrary effects , which appeare in their operations , and are testified by Writers . These things being thus in impure mixtures and vnperfect bodies , what doubt can there be made of the high prerogatiue and supreme excellencie of Gold , which all the learned and experienced antiquity , and the continued deriuation from thence vnto this day haue acknowledged and magnified for the chiefe , if not only Treasurie , and rich Cabinet of vniuersalitie and Panchresticke Medicine : In which all the dowers of all other Medicines , whatsoeuer are written and experimentally found , be vnited and naturally inclosed .

Secondly , whereas the originall of most diseases 2 The second reason . springeth from that , which the Physitions call Intemperies , that is , a distemperature , being especially in the first qualities , hot , cold , moist or drie ; there is no reason to the contrary , but that one Medicine , being without excesse or defect , in equall harmonie of all qualities most temperate , and also powerfull in operation , may bee sufficient for the collection , qualifying , and rectifying of all and euery such distemper . Such a like body is gold : which notwithstanding it be compounded of the foure Elements , yet is this in prerogatiue aboue all other naturall bodies , endowed with an exact temperament and equalitie of the compounding Elements , and Elementall qualities . Euery one to the other three , and all foure to and among themselues by exact naturall equalitie and perfect mixture , are so compounded to the perfection of this body , that it constantly persisteth in the fire without diminution . From this proportionall mixture of Elements resulteth a temperament of supreme mediocritie : whereupon that our learned and famous countryman Roger Bacon , calleth Gold the meane betweene the foure first qualities . Seeing therefore by Gods gift in the creation it consisteth of so true an adequation and subtile temperament , this must needs appeare and shew it selfe operatiuely in consequent effects vpon those first qualities , and be powerfull against all distemperatures , whether hot or cold , moyst or dry , or any their combinations : First allaying and bridling any excesse therein , and so by degrees and succession ouercomming the whole discord , and restoring mediocritie of temperament betweene all . So that the generall Axiome or Rule of great Hippocrates is here magnified : That Diseases are cured by Medicines contrarie to themselues . For the meane betwixt two extremes is no lesse contrarie to both and either of them , then one extreme to an other : and more powerfull in reduction , by how much it is more habituall and fixed in the vnspotted mediocritie and equalitie . Let this be vnderstood of gold dissolued and made potable , otherwise it is not operatiue vpon those distempered qualities in one kinde or other

The third Reason concerneth the temper of the bodie to bee cured . Death ( saith Galen ) doth alwaies 3 The third reason . follow the vnmeasurable or excessiue distemperatures of the Heart . So likewise doe Diseases . For all parts of the bodie languish with the Heart . Let vs therefore consider a little the Emperie of the Heart in mans bodie , how by his owne heate and vitall spirit , it raigneth ouer , and in all parts of the bodie . Let vs also take into consideration the distemperature of other parts making impression vpon the Heart , and so are causes of languishment and death . Which beeing on either side certaine , then it must also bee true , that if golde administred doe restore integritie of temperament to the Heart , the other parts and members of the bodie shall also receiue comfort , strength , restauration , and finally life to the whole bodie . Wherefore the first office of euerie good Physition is , to haue speciall regarde , to maintaine and vphold the spirituall functions of his diseased patient , which all haue their originall from the heart . For if he suffer them to quaile , and ouer much to bee deiected , all Cordialls will then come vnseasonably . That admonition is iust and necessarie First strengthen and comfort the Heart , then apply for the Disease , if neede be : for oft times , the Heart being well corroborated , the Disease imminent vanisheth . But some will aske , how gold , so hard , solide and compact , and therefore indigestable by any strength of mans stomacke , can passe from thence to the heart , and strengthen , comfort , rectifie and restore it ; conconsidering that these and such like faculties come to it by the plentie of pure , cleere , and subtill spirits of the blood , which cannot be made of any thing not digested both in the Stomack and Lyuer , and therefore not of gold . In answer whereof I say , that long and daily obseruation hath confirmed , that many things naturally are effected by the hidden and specificall properties of some things , whereof no vnderstanding of man can giue a certaine and vndisputable manifest cause or reason . We see the affinitie of natures betweene Iron and the Lode-stone , and the pointing of this to the North Pole . Of which kinde there be infinite exemplarie instances . Neither doe the most learned Physitions and best Philosophers so well agree vpon the reasons of those Purging Medicines which they call Electiue , as appropriate specially to one humour : and diuers others to some speciall part of the bodie , yea and to some speciall diseases : but that a great part of them doe flie to these hidden and specificall properties , some in the same , some in other termes . In which ranke if wee marshall gold , what Lieuetenant will chide ? He certainly must be some ouerweening man , that will question these noble vertues of gold , that hath read so many notable and famous Authors for that affirmatiue assertion , part whereof I haue cited in my other booke , being but one Rank of a whole Armie . Here I will only trouble the Reader with a few lines out of that famous Physition and excellent Philosopher Arnald . Gold altereth the euill condition of mans body , clenseth and reneweth it . The vertue of many things may come neere the particulars of the operation hereof , but no one performe it all . But potable gold alone is it which worketh these miraculous effects : this is not subiect to corruption , but is agreeable to the Complexion and temperament of man . It doth neither heate , nor coole , nor moysten , nor dry : but is temperate in all temperature , and exceedeth all things in durabilitie : It helpeth a cold stomacke , and giueth courage to Cowards and fearefull hearts : It helpeth the passions of the Heart : It is good against Melancholy : It comforteth naturall heate and tempereth the same , neither may any thing be compared to it or supply the stead thereof . The vertue thereof is manifest in the substance of it . It clenseth and clarifieth by reason of the naturall heate it hath . It giueth high and supreame temperament aboue all other things , by reason of the great temperament of it selfe : and beeing it selfe most durable , it causeth continuance and durabilitie , according to naturall possibility in other things , and preserueth mans body . And because it is like to the Complexion of mens bodie , therefore if it be prepared as it ought , it will ioyne and incorporate thereunto . But all the secret is in the preparation of it , which the wise Philosophers haue concealed . It confirmeth and keepeth sound the substance of the Heart , and preserueth it , and clarifieth the substance of the spirits , and sendeth good blood to the skin , and with a light and easie abstersion preserueth beauty as in youth . Thus he writeth , as also in other places of this Author you may reade many admirable effects and vertues of gold both solide and potable . How gold is so powerfull a Cordiall and so generall a Medicine , is held a very difficult question to finde the cause and reason thereof . Let euery mans opinion bee free to himselfe . I will without preiudice to any other briefely shew you my opinion . I take it for granted that gold of all mixed bodies is most equall and temperate in the Elements and elementall qualities , so that moysture with heat as agent , drinesse with coldnes as patient and subiect to action , are inseparably with naturall concordance perfectly ioyned . Wherefore gold is respectiuely a body not only incorruptible in water , fire , ayre , and earth , and as it were an earthly image of eternitie , but also most conuenient , agreeable , and as it were allied to and with the heart of man , which of his hot moysture doth worke the vitall spirits , and maintaine the arteriall beatings of the pulse in all parts of the bodie . And this temperament of gold must bee considered two waies . First ( as Scholers call it ) Arithmetically : hence commeth the equalitie and equabilitie of qualities elementarie in the compact and solide body thereof , not resolued into the permanent forme of potable liquor . In this consideration it were very hard for learned Physitions that build so much vpon and presse authoritie , to deny that gold hath and actiuely doth shew many great effectiue vertues , seeing the Catalogue is so great of many notable and famous Physitions which extoll the effects thereof , and at this day doe vse it so much ; as of gold quenched in wine , boyled in broth , giuen in limell or foyle in Conserues and Electuaries . The hope and end thereof in all their intentions , is to Corroborate and comfort the heart . And this temperature in and of gold is habituate and coessentiall with the whole substance , matter and forme , in all the Elements both actiue and passiue . And because not the materiall but the formal Essence is most operatiue and professor of the noble Elements , fire and ayre , from whence resulteth in an indissoluble bond , heate and moysture so friendly agreeable to mans nature . Therefore gold in his naturall coagulation and soliditie , cannot so fully according to the inward power of his naturall efficacie and vertue , shew and performe the effects thereof , as being resolued , opened , and made potable , that the Elements and elementall qualities may more freely both worke and be wrought vpon , and be brought from their potentiality to actiuitie in application to the body of man . For then the agent and formall vertues , fire and ayre be predominant in their exaltation . Whose propertie , being communicated & applied to & with the spirits of our body , is to refresh , comfort & strengthen the heart : renew , restore , and increase the spirits , by that wonderfull facultie , and neere equalitie as it were brotherhood which it hath to them . And this in the second consideration of the temperament of Gold Geometricall in that different respect , as the other is called Arithmeticall . In which that proportionate qualitie friendly and concordant to the heart and temperament of man , and that complexioned moyst heate or hot moysture , is preualent or predominant . And one chiefe reason why Arnald before cited and very many others of vnreprooueable authoritie , doe so much commend , and with a reserued secrecie admire the excellent dowers of gold , is , that being made potable , it restoreth , augmenteth and preserueth that our humidum radicale , and calidum innatum , Naturall heate and moysture , ( vnderstand them complexioned not distinct ) and so with respectiue possibilitie , prolongeth life , and keepeth backe old age , I meane the sense of the defects and infirmities thereof .

If it be obiected that this exact temperature and equality Obiection . of mixture in gold being supposed , it cannot actiuely operate or worke any thing in mans bodie , because , as euery action commeth from or by meanes of some predominant qualitie , so equalitie without disparagement keepes all in an vndefeazeable bond of an irresoluble compound . I answer thus . In cases where the intemperature or distemper of the disease ( or the degree thereof in some cases ) is not yet knowne , the doctrine positiue and counsell of Physitions is , to vse and administer temperate Medicines , which shall not be offensiue manifestly to any qualitie , but indifferent and allowable to all . If this be done with good aduise and reason : in such like case , it must needs be far more consonant to reason , and behoouefull to the patient , to giue such a Medicine as is not only temperate by qualification , but so prerogatiuely excellent therein , that it cannot lose that temperature and the consequent efficacie thereof , by the force of any thing consonant or dissonant . Which is farre otherwise in all vegetables reputed equall in temperament , because they are apt in some cases to cause dangerous distemperature in mans body . Examples are plentifull . But for instance take Manna it selfe reputed a very temperate laxatiue , yet very easily it selfe turning into a hot Cholerick humour , and encreasing the same , and the distemperatures and diseases consequent thereupon according to the disposition and inclination of the body receiuing it . Of which there is no feare in the vse of gold , for the reasons aforesaid . Therefore whether the Tenure be : That Contraries be cured by Contraries , hauing respect to the disease and the cause thereof , the qualitie of the Medicine is remedy : Or that like are conserued by their like , with regard to the strength of the patient and comfort of the heart , according to the doctrine of Hippocrates : Gold ( as hath beene prooued ) must needs be in both intentions the fittest and most conuenient Medicine and remedy for diseases of what temper or distemper soeuer , being aduisedly giuen : specially being Philosophically opened , resolued and made potable :

That there may bee a generall or vniuersall Medicine 4 The fourth reason . is also prooued , by consideration taken from the nature of the person diseased , with reference to the disease . For if the disease be strong , like a heauie burden pressing the patient , and the poore patient weake not able to beare out the Critical day of happy iudgement of issue of the maladie ; I aske in this case what ought to be done . Certainly , rather enable the body to the end of the Combate , by comforting and strengthning the heart , then vainly attempt to remooue the log , and suffer him to sinke vnder the burden . For , not the Medicine , but nature alone is the true physition , curing all infirmities , if she be not oppressed , or that she be so releeued , that strength in her be maintained . It is not vnlike by comparison vnto the charge of sumpter Mules or Pack-horses , which oft times vse to bee fed trauelling that they may endure to carry their burdens to the Inne , not discharged vntimely of their packes . And by this meanes they neede not be vnloaden at euery bayte ; but prouendred vnder their loads for the quicker dispatch . So no disease is cured , the strength not maintained : but contrarily by perfect Methode the strength and power of the body is by degrees to bee restored and comforted , that the disease may be both resolued , and life maintained . To this purpose did Arnaldus write in these words . The only intention of ancient Physitions was , to giue vigor and strength vnto nature : Who being strengthned , performeth whatsoeuer is expedient . And by this meanes they neuer did ouerthrow any man . Therefore neuer cease to worke with Cordialls in administration of Physicke . This is the counsell of Arnald .

Moreouer , many diseases proceed from obstructions The fift reason . of some viscous , slymie and mucilaginous matter , not separated in the vessels of concoction , by their imbecillity , either naturall , or accidentall . Therfore , if this obstruent matter be subtiliated , the obstruction shall thereby be taken away , & consequently both the disease and accidents of the disease cured . Of such kinds of Obstructions , besides other diseases , many kinds of fevers doe arise , burning , rotten , hectick , pestilent , &c. Also many and dangerous sicknesses both hot and cold . Against which though Medicine made of vegetables doe often very much preuaile : yet because for the most part they be too weak , and leaue no solide and lasting impression : or contrariwise worke so violently , and seldome without some offence , scarce euer with such temper , gentlenes and sincerity as is requisite . Therefore that Medicine which being most temperate and equally graduated to the Elementall harmonie of mans body , ought iustly to be preferred both before them and all of that kind . For such one cannot by his coldnesse offend the complexioned parts , nor by his heate the hot : but by opening and so promotiuely taking away the Obstruction , be equally & certainly profitable to all . Galen teacheth that the cause is to be taken away , by finding out , and applying the true contrary of euery alterable nature . As to cure any disease coming of and depending on Obstruction , is the dissoluing of matter obstruent , & opening the Obstruction . This counsell we ought to follow in al such cases , in opening that which is forcibly shut . And then gentle and quiet restitution commeth of temperament to all distempered parts . For , whether the excesse were in heate or cold , the spirits which were shut vp in prison , now set at liberty , are refreshed , recouer their former vigor , and health to the whole body . If the blood ( saith Hippocrat . ) be stopped in his course , and the spirit with it , it causeth chylnesse , numnesse , giddines , losse or hinderance of speach , heauines & paine of the head & convulsions , after which follow many kinds of the falling sicknes which be accounted cold diseases . In briefe , it is most euident , that only Obstructions be the cause of many and sundry diseases , not only different , but directly contrary each to other . Therfore as one cause brought them in , so may one Medicine expell them .

But pause a while . It may be demanded how humors Obiection . so exorbitant & abounding as they do in the bodies of many men , shal be emptied from thence by the force of any medicine , whose faculty is not to expel or purge by the common passage , and whose intent is to be only strengthning and comforting the heart .

To which I answer : It is true , that in many diseases Solution . the abundance of humors are such causes , that except they be purged away in due and conuenient time and order , it is scarse possible to hope for a sound recouerie : in which case if some gentle Purgation , together with the administration of this vniuersall Medicine be vsed , both the strength shall be better maintained , sooner recouered , and the disease ouercome Yet though no purgation be giuen , but onely this vniuersall Medicine at times administred , such is the vertue thereof , that Nature it selfe being strengthned and comforted aboue the malice of the offending humors and the disease , will expell the burden of those humors by the most conuenient passages which that case may require , whether it be by siege , vomit , vrine , sweate , or other exitures . For the Physition attending , is not directer and Master , but minister and seruant in fit administration vnto nature : which being comforted and strengthned , will helpe her selfe beyond all hope and conceit of man , as hath bin often found to the admiration of the greatest Doctors which hitherto haue written , and happeneth daily in our owne experience . In all diseases the Physitions part is , to promote the indeauour of nature to expel the offending humors by those passages , which herselfe sheweth and directeth ; with discretion betweene criticall and symptomaticall euacuations , and of the conueniencie of a few circumstances following the particularities of the disease : Of this I could easily and plentifully bring many irrefragable and demonstratiue reasons : but they may partly bee vnderstood by that which is already said , and partly are written by diuers others graue and learned Authors . Therfore I wil follow breuitie , & only set down a few lines out of that profound and singular Philosopher Raymund Lully : who in the 32. Chapter of the Theorie of his Testament writeth thus . Blessed be our glorious and omnipotent God who hath giuen mankinde knowledge and vnderstanding to ioyne and integrate the confused particularitie of all Medicines with one reall vniuersalitie , by which all things be and continue rectified . Therefore Sonne I warne thee , if thou desirest to be a perfect Physition , set not thy Practise on the particularities of Medicine , or the particular intentions of Physicke , because they be confused , and at this day not sound , nor perfect . For nature cannot endure them , by reason of their too much confusion , but is best pleased or satisfied with and in one only Medicine . Because there is but one Medicine truly curing all Infirmities , and comforting the spirituall vertues and powers of life , &c. And a litttle after in the same . He that knoweth how to reduce most particularities or vertues ( for the intention of Curing diseases ) vnto one vniuersalitie ( of subiect ) shall bee the most excellent amongst Physitions . In particular Medicines vertues bee confused : but in an vniuersall , they bee reall , vnited , and actiue , as the whole course of nature sheweth . And this is Medicina , Medicinarum , superlatiuely by excellencie and prerogatiue the Medicine of Medicines . And hee that hath such a Medicine , hath a pretious gift of God . For it is an incomparable treasure . Thus far Raymund : who though he there speake of that great and high Philosophicall secret , yet he plainly witnesseth that there is in nature a vniuersall Medicine : which whether it be made of gold , or gold made of it , It mattereth not much , for either way it sufficiently proueth , the excellent properties of gold most agreeable to mans nature ; which hauing thus farre prooued , I will here end this first part of this Treatise .

Hauing thus , vnto moderate and well tempered Iudgements ( for my intent and purpose in this treatise ) prooued , that there hath bin , and therefore may be a Panchresticall Medicine , for which very many learned are either searchers themselues , or witnesses of other mens happines in attaining the same : yet because the peruicacie of some is such , that against experiment and sense it selfe , they will ( peraduenture consciously ) pretend the Impossibilitie & maintaine the negatiue : & some againe , though yeelding a possibilitie & maintaining the affirmatiue , wil fight in the shadow of one instance : contending , that thogh they granted it may be ; yet this subiect of mine , this my potable gold hath not either the true , or neere preparation of that so renowned and famously mentioned Medicine , powerfull and auaileable in all diseases that may happen to men : I will applie my selfe to their satisfaction . My answer shall be breefe , and of two sorts . First by Reason : secondly , by manifest and cleere demonstration of effects , of manifold experiments and witnesses beyond exception : which be the maine pillers & onely necessary substructions of all knowledg in matter controuertible amongst men .

Concerning the proofes of reason , I haue sufficiently satisfied that point in my other booke in the fourth , fift , and sixt chapters . Yet further I pray consider here with me , that there bee many pathes leading to the same Towne , and many waies to one and the same end . Some in their endeauours and pursuite for the attaining of a vniuersall Medicine labour in Minerals and those Mettals which respectiuely bee called , and are vnperfect : Some in Salts : some in vegetables , some in the Animall kinde : euery one dittying the sound of the bell answerable to his owne tune . Let each of them therefore follow the Issue of his owne labors . I force not against them . But freely professe that in the perswasion of those reasons which haue lead mee , I resolutely set downe my rest for this scrutinie in naturall gold , and therein haue employed my Industry : with what successe and happie Issue , I appeale to the most certaine , true and vncontrollable Iudge and Doctresse , which is experience . The centonary Fropperies of Alphabetarias , of Aurum non Aurum , shall nothing abate the vindicting of this constant truth , that by my preparation , Aurum non Aurum , gold hath beene so altered in and from the compacture and soliditie of his primitiue body ; and in that respect it may bee called , and truly is , non Aurum , not gold , but destroyed , concerning the grosse body , and altered into a subtile , penetrant and volatile nature , and so exalted into the full actiuitie of a most precious Medicine , with all the powerfull explications of healthfull and helpfull mysteries which nature hath sealed in that body , and left to the industrious labour of man to vnfold . For gold is the Embleme of a magnificent and most princely Pallace , drawing the beholders of his naturall luster , to search what excellent Iewels bee contained within that outward wall of so rich promises . Which though they be many and admirable , yet few attaine to the fruition thereof , because by externe apparences , they ayme at the latent and hidden vertues : neither doe they know the right key to vnlock that rich Cabinet . And although I cannot sufficiently declare , nor prize , all the faculties ( which be respectiuely innumerable ) of this bountifull treasury : yet I may and doe confidently acknowledge and professe , that I haue found in vse & practise very many of great worth ; which as in themselues , for the vse of men they be of great worth , and estimation , so for them , man is reciprocally bound both to ackwowledg & thankfully embrace , as Gods large blessing ; who commandeth vs to knock at these gates of Nature , that they may be opened vnto vs , that so we may finde and enioy the treasures locked therein . What man amongst thousand hath found out and perfected the like magisteriall secret ? Who is he among many , that hath not tyred his teeth in the hard shell , neuer inabled by cracking it , to come to the sweet kernell , in which dwelleth this mellite and gentle liquor of gold ? But I will leaue this digression , and returne to the intended end .

There is no question but that a Medicine made of 1. Reason . naturall gold , dissolued without things corrosiue , and brought into a substance in forme like hony , and Medicinable , potable , and disperseable into any liquor , is both excellent , and iustly to be reputed potable gold . But this Medicine of mine , made and consisting in it selfe of gold , is such ( as I haue before prooued and shall further hereafter proue ) therefore it is , and ought to be acknowledged for true potable gold . The proposition needeth none other proofe , then the consent of all famous writers of and vpon potable gold : The Assumption , whereupon the Inference and Conclusion dependeth , is prooued in my first published booke , as also out of manifest demonstration , not priuate , to my selfe , but publike in the sight of many , not onely once done , but sundry times iterated : in which proceedings , the demonstratiue tokens mentioned in Art , are apparent : the Instrumentall water which was in the forme of common water before it was put vpon the gold , in few daies becommeth tincted , with a deepe and ruddy colour , also when the Instrumentall water so tincted , shall be distilled away , the solution of gold remaineth in forme of hony as by Philosophers is specified . In the whole magisterie , Art or processe I haue not kept any thing secret , sauing the Instrumentall water as Raymund testifieth . But some will say , If this be that true Potable gold , why do you make it common to others ? Good Sirs , forsooth I answer because it is such , therefore I make it common , concerning the vse : Which being profitable to all , challengeth the right and law of nature and charitie , to be communicated to al. But that other great secret of the Philosopher , not communicable to others , is onely profitable to the Author himself . And therfore let not this be the lesse precious in it selfe , because innumerable men receiue health and comfort thereby ? The sunne giueth visible light to the whole world . Is it therefore an inferiour Planet vnto Mercury which seldome appeares in the sight of men ?