conceale or fraudulentlie obscure , and with many fallacies and subtilties shadow and couer those things , which beeing plainly sette downe , might redounde to a more generall good then easily may be expressed . And howsoeuer this malicious suppressing , or sophisticate publishing of diuers secrets , be generall in many ▪ Artes and knowledges , yet I thinke it is in no one thing more common then in the Spagericall Arte. In the which Arte , after I had bestowed many yeeres studie and trauaile , J freely imparted to my Countrimen at diuers times heertofore , such secrets as by often reading in the best Authors of the same Arte , or by many experiments of my great labour and charge , I haue founde out most certaine and without deceit . And now vnder your worships fauourable protection , J offer to my Countrimens freendly acceptance the Spagericall practises of Iosephus Quercetanus , augmented with diuers rare secrets not commonly knowne , all which J doubt not , will with more fauour be receiued in generall , if they may be graciously shadowed and defended vnder your worshipfull name , whose prosperous successe in all your honorable and vertuous attempts & actions , with a most deuote affection , J doe most earnestly wish .

EXperientia stultorum gubernatrix , is with some held as a Prouerbe autenticke : but in mine opinion , ( freendlie Reader ) they are most fooles that want it . For without it howsoeuer otherwise well read , a man can say no more in Artes then the great Trauailer , ( who in some fewe daies , hauing coasted the worlde in a Card-makers shop ) can discourse directlie eyther of this or that , but must be faine if fault be found , to confesse his owne ignoraunce , and blame the Maps falsenes ; yet as wee haue with vs a custome , when we heare thinges incredible spoken from a far , to say , it is better beleeuing it , then going thether to disproue it : so are there many , yea the most , which will not stick to talke most , that least of all aduenture in this perrilous passage to Science , and yet the onely directed path called experience : for besides the daily cares , nightly watchings , external woundes , internall woes , deforming of members , disquieting of minde , debilitie of senses , and losse of sight , with infinite other incombrances , which lie as Adders in his way that treads this walke , he shall on each hand be terrified with Legions of lying Spirits , deluding flatterers , of tame beastes by the Philosopher held the most deuouring , and iniurious slaunders of wilde beasts , the most implacable , selfe tryall hath taught mee this since I first vndertooke to search the secrets of Earthes flowing bountie , and her Minerall vaines , I haue suffered all the vnpleasant sharpnes that experiences pathes yeeldes , and endured euery enuie that malice could deuise : yet the end I hope for , beeing the benefite of this Weale publique , in which I lyue , a willing , ( though vnworthy member ) animates me in despight of enuie , to professe the neuer dying labors of my ouer-wearied powers , to those that are willing to buy , ( for nothing in a manner ) what I haue obtained with my precious life . O the God that rewardeth all things , & will in my Redeemer , accept ( I doubt not ) of my intent , hath secretlie summoned my soule to discharge the fruites of her experience .

I haue translated this insuing worke , and written these present lines for thy good ( gentle Reader . ) On these flowers let no Spyder presume , for they are ful of vertue , that makes enuy mute . They are free gifts , and shoulde bee gratefully accepted , the best intend the best , the worst I write not for .

Such faultes gentle Reader , as by vnskilfulnesse of the Printer in this argument , and want of my continuall presence in the printing , which are in any place to be found , J pray thee courteously to pardon , and freendly to correct .

MInding to answeare the little booke of Aubertus , concerning the originall of mettals , and their causes , although it be not greatly worthie of answere , yet I neither can , or may passe ouer this : greatlie maruelling at the rashnes of those men which dare curse and condemne this arte , approued by the authoritie of so many ancient and great men , especiallie Hermes ▪ Trismegistus , Geber , Lullus , Arnoldus , Villanouanus , and our Auicen himselfe , Whose testimonies , confirmed with authoritie and arguments , yea and with practise it selfe , are of more waight , then that they should so easily be shaken of , with the slender reasons , & t●unts of such men . But this truely I grant , that through the fault and deceits of some ignorant and wicked men , that the Chymistes are euill spoken of : but to condemne thinges for their abuse , specially of so great weight ( as I know and defend this to be ) truely it neither can , or ought to be so . For it openeth vnto vs so many works of the almightie God , it laie●h open so many secretes of nature , and preparations of herbes , beastes , and mineralies hetherto vnknowen , and sheweth the vses almost of all things , which were hidden and laid vp in the bosom● of Nature , that they shew themselues vnkinde toward man that would haue this art buried .

As touching Paracelsus , I haue not taken vpon mee the defence of his diuinitie , neither did I euer thinke to agree with him in all points , as though I were sworne to his doctrine : but besides the testimonie wherewith Erasmus adorneth him in certaine Epistles , I dare be bolde to say and defend , that he teacheth many things almost diuinely , in Phisicke , which the thankfull posteritie can neuer commend and praise sufficientle : whereof I trust occasion shall be geuen to speake in another place . But that all men may know with what discretion ( thou Aubertus ) hast taken in hand to oppugne these things : goe to , we will reason of those two points , which in the Preface of thy little book thou hast taken vpon thee to handle . But thou art a man truelie ( as I perceuie ) of a verie sharpe witte . The one of thy points which thou handlest , is concerning Laudanum , accounted verie perilous : the other of the burnt eyes of a crabbe , which you also think to be ridiculous .

And first , because you thinke it not to be the Laudanum of Dioscorides , you demaund what it should be . Learn then this of ine , that this laudable medicine is so called of the Chymical Physicians , and that it doeth plainlie answeare vnto his name , if you call it Lawdanum . But you say it is made of Opium , Is that it that bringeth such a maze into your minde ? Indeede Opium is put into it , but of a farre better preparation then is commonlie in vse : not without the spirite of wine , or the infusion of Diambrae , by certaine monethes , not without the essence of Safferon , Castoreum , Coralles , Perles , Mumia , and the oiles of C●namon , Cloues , Mace , and Anniseedes : of all which , being rightly mingled ( as it is the manner of arte ) is made that most excellent medicine , to put away all vnkinde heates , to stay all fluxes , and to asswage in marueilous sort all manner of greefes : yet so , that it doeth not extinguish the naturall heate , but rather preserue and defende it by strenthening the spirites , much lesse that it doeth benumme them , or take away the motions from the parts ( which is ridicular to be spoken ) but with a certeine marueilous qualitie wherewith it excelleth , it helpeth the powers , as by the description of the foresaid things , and their due and not common preparation and mixture may easilie be gathered .

What will you say if I adde more , that there is put into it the true essence of golde , which is so commended in olde time , by the writings of learned Philosophers and Physicians ? I beleeue you would laugh at this essence , which is vnknowen vnto you , yet familiar vnto many philosophers . But I affirme that golde to be a most temperate and effectuall remedie to helpe the strength of nature , against melancholike affections , weake stomackes , passions of the heart , and such as be extreamly sadde .

Truelie you may worthe lie beleue , that there is much more force in his essence , then in your leafe golde . And this you will graunt ( my friend Aubertus ) that there is greater force of secrete qualities in that most fine golde , then in your brothes sodden with golde . Neither yet doe I thinke you doe beleeue ( for that were too absurde ) that golde which cannot be wasted or burned with the heate of the fire , can be so digested or ouercome by naturall heare , but that it may by some meane strengthen the hart the substance remaining whole , when as the opinion of the Philosophers is this , that all earth is dead , and that it is only the spirites of things that can worke in bodies . But Laudanum it selfe , although it be opiat , yet is it not so to be reprehended . For if it were not so corrected afore , it were very dangerous , & for his extreame coldnes deadlie , as the Paracelsians which are the folowers of the true and auncient phisicke , doe well vnderstand . For neither doeth any of them doubt , but that Opinm , to take away his venemous force , is corrected of many , only with safferon , castoreum and mirre , which correction doeth nothing hinder , but that it may be done with a better preparation : for Aloes also is washed , that it frette not the veines with his sharpnes : and blacke Elebore is made so commodious for vse , with the spirite of wine , and oile of Anieseedes , ( that you may learne also of the Chymicke Phisicians ) that it may be safelie geuen to children against the dropsey , and all melancholie affections . Therefore opiat medicines are not so rashlie and vnaduisedlie to be condemned , of which are made sundrie medicines to asswage the vehement paines of the collicke , reines , plurisies , and goutes : to prouoke sleepe , to ease the cough , to stoppe spitting of bloud , and to stay all reumes , such as is that Philonium which is allowed of all auncient Physicions .

Also opiat things are necessarie in medicines that expell poison , Antidotes ▪ to strengthen the principall partes , to withstande the malignitie of any poison , and infinite other affects , as may be seene in that excellent triacle , described by Andromachus the elder , into which 3. ounces of Opium is put ▪ Likewise in the fourth and last preparation of Mitridate , which Galen , Aetius , and other Greekes , haue drawen from the ancient Phisicians , Antipater and Cleophantus , whose qualities they haue described to be most like vnto the triacle . Peraduenture you will except , that the composition of this our Laudanum , is not so temperate , as this composition of triacle . Therefore you should know it first before you reprehende it , which notwithstanding , both reason doeth commend , and experience shewe●h to be very profitable . Which onely medicine it were much better for you and such like to haue , for the curing of many diseases , then those sundrie decoctions of herbes , wherwith many are most miserably tormented . Plin. lib. 20 nat hist. cap. 18. Plinius writeth , that Licinius the father of Cecinna , killed himselfe with Opium , being wearie of his life . But I am assured , that there can none be found that hath been hurt by the vse of our Laudanum , which you notwithstanding falsly and shameleslie doe write : yea many learned and godlie men will auouch , that it is not without reason geuen , but with most happie successe , and profite to the sicke , in all manner of rewmes , and to swage inflammations , and all other griefes aforesaid . The composition of which most excellent medicine , and the preparation described , which is vnknowen to you , and such as you are : I had put in print if your writings had not forced me to consider , whether it were expedient to caste pearles before euery one to treade vpon .

Now I come to the other medicine , which you call a iest , and laugh because we minister the eies of Crabs calcined , to those that are sicke of a quartane : and specially because we prescribe for one dose . ʒ . i. ss. of this powder , and his mixture , for the cure of the quartane : and you conclude , that the whole Lacus Lemanus will scarce yeld so many eies of Crabbes , which certeinly is most true : for there be no crabbes in that lake , but many Creuises , which you ( my Aubert ) haue not well noted . For there be foure kindes of those shell fishes , which the Greekes call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The one is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that is , a Locust . Another they call Gamarum , which Galen calleth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The thirde 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which they call Squilla . The fourth is the Crabbe , which the Greekes call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ▪ All these the learned know to be sundrie kindes .

The Astachi which you supposed to be Crabbes , and of the Frenchmen are called Escreuises , are like vnto Locustes , and doe little or nothing differ , but onely by a varietie of certaine forepartes and armes : for they haue a long bodie , and a long taile , whereupon there are founde fiue sinnes . Only the Crabbes haue a round bodie , and no taile , for they haue little vse of it , because they liue neere the earth , and creepe into hollowe places , & swim not much . But for your better vnderstanding , you maie consult with Aristotle , Pl●nie , and speciallie with Edwarde Plin. lib. na● hist. 6. cap. 71. Wottonne in his tenth booke of the difference of beastes , also the Commentaries of Matheolus vpon Dioscorides , which altogether will teach you , that there is very great difference betweene the Astachum , whereof you vndiscreetlie speake , and the riuer or sea crabbe . But you will say , there is no great regard to be geuen vnto words , and that these kindes of shell fish , for the most parte , are confounded among them selues . Let it be so , this I would also speake by the way , because I see you doe lacke them , and that our disputation might be both more euident , you thinke it two waies absurd , that the eies of crabbes calcined , should be prescribed in a quartane , because that by their drith and sharpenes they increase the disease . O subtile argument , and worthie of such a Phisicion . We are not ignorant ( my Aubertus ) that the continent cause or matter of the quartane ague , is the very iuice of melancholie , which by his proper causes being gathered much together , that it cannot be ruled by the naturall heate , at length putrifieng , it inflameth this feuer . This melancholie humor the Phisicians make double : the one naturall , which is as the fex and slime of bloud : the other adust , which is as it were , the congeled tartar or ashes of certaine burnt h●mors : and that commeth speciallie of yellowe coller , and melancholie adust , although sometime it come of burnt flegme , if we credite the Arabians . Therefore seeing that the melancholicke humor which is colde and drie , is the matter of these feuers , we will confesse with you , the couse of them to be partly cold and drie : but that it is increase● by the vse of all drie and sharp things , we denie as false . For whereas this humor by nature is gro●se , sh●●e and tough and that abounding speciallie in the spleene Mesenterium , and vseth to be gathered about the Hipochondria or sides , and by successe of time to be indurate : truel●e there is no learned Physician that doubteth , but that it is to be mollified , digested , rarefied , made thinne , and cutte : but those thinges which for this purpose are of least force , are mollifying , which the Greekes call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and those which are o● a greater force , whotte and thinne , to the seconde o● thirde degree , are called of the Greekes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Latinists , rarifying , which with their heate and meane drith , doe dissolue and disperse , mollifie and digest all the hardnes of the spleene , and greeued bowels . The timelie vse of which medicines , chieflie is both requisite and greatlie commended in quartanes . So the barke of the Ashe , and of Cappars ▪ the roote of Brionia , the wilde Cowcumber ▪ Walwort , and Ireos , all whotte and drie some euen in the third degree , being taken , they mollifie and driue away all hardnes , or being applied outwarde , doe dissolue and consume the harde spleene : So may I fay of Amoniacum , bdellium , opoponax , galbanum , which although they be all whotte and drie , euen Barbers know that they haue a great force to mollifie and digest . Seeing then mollifying and rarefying things are conuenient to cure the quartane , as all men confesse being taken in season , thinke it not so absurde or ridiculous ( my Iacobus ) if ani● doe also vse the ashes of the eyes , or sometimes of the heads of Crabbes , or for lacke of them , Creuisses . For the ashes of those shell fishes , speciallie of the eyes , haue great force to extenuate and dissolue that fex of the melancholie humor , which those ( whom you call Paracelsians ) doe name tartar congealed . But if you doe so much abhorre these calcinations , which we often vse , and doe aske why we doe it , learne this Auberius , out of Galen , in the eleuenth booke de simpl . medic . faculs . whereas speaking of salt , he vseth these words : Salt burned , digesteth Cap. 11. more stronglie then vnburned , by how much the bodie is made more subtile , rcceiuing his qualities of the fire . Also he writeth in the same book those medicines which consist of thinne partes , haue more force then they of grosse partes , although they had like qualitie , because they pearce better : for which cause onely wee vse calcined Crabbes , to loose those feces , and tartarous humors . For by calcination , the salt of things is drawen out , and salt must be dissolued with salt onely , if you doe well vnderstand it , and so you shall learne that diseases are not to be cured with contraries , but like with like , although as yet you perceiue not the reason . Otherwise , how could you say that the stones of spunges , burnt glasse , Goates bloud dried , the ashes of Cocles , Lapis Iudaicus calcined , or the bone of a cuttle , with so great force coulde helpe the stone , or grauell of the reines . I know you will flie to the Asses sacred anchore , namelie , of secrete qualities , which notwithstanding , reason it selfe teacheth to be done with the salt which doeth dissolue them , and expel them by vrine , what will you then say of the hedge sparrow , that laudable medicine of auncient Physicians , for the same disease , whereof Paul Aeginet . lib. 3. cap. 45. where he leaueth it thus written : This ( saith hee ) pouthered whole with salt , and often eaten rawe , driueth out the stones that are alreadie growen by vrine , and letteth them not to growe againe afterward : but if it be burned whole with his feathers , & all his ashes , by it selfe , or with a little pepper dronk with old wine & hony , it worketh the same effect . Thus you see how the ancient Physicians did vse the ashes , which you call absurd , and in what diseases : euen in curing the stone of the reines , whose matter is also such a grosse humor , that with heat it groweth to a stone . How much more Crabbes calcined preuaile against that disease , is noted of Hollerius & Mathiolus , and a thousand times hath beene proued by certain experience . Neither will I passe ouer ( among other medicines which are vsed for this disease ) Christall , which is the chiefe : Christall ( I say ) calcined , in a reuerberatorie , out of which after is drawen his salt , of whose dissolution , in a moist place , is made a most excellent oile , very profitable to put away all obstructions of the bowels . Wherefore you may not thinke it so ridiculous , that a medicine should be taken out of the calcined eyes of Crabbes , neither so to spue out your bitter poison against it . This will I also adde out of Galene , and the opinion of all the auncientest , that the Crabs them selues calcined , euen by the propertie of their whole substance , are marueilous effectuall against the biting of mad De simpl . med facult. cap. 30. lib. 7. dogges . And Galens wordes which he reporteth of his master Pelope , doe shewe that madnes to be a most drie infection ▪ It is not without cause ( saith hee ) that the Crabbe ( being a waterie creature ) should helpe them that are bitten of a mad dog , in whom it is to be feared , least they should fall into a most drie disease , that is , madnesse . Nowe there remaineth that I should speak of the sharpnes which you finde in the calcination of Crabbes : which ( as you say ) doeth increase the quartane . But I feare least by those wordes the learned may thinke you vtterly ignorant what a sharpe tast is . For it is easie for vs to shewe , that the ashes of Crabs are not sharpe : for al sharpe thinges ( as it is knowen to Physicians ) are verie hote , of which Phisicians make two sortes . The one sorte may be eaten , the other vnapt to be eaten . These haue a certaine sweete , although obscure qualitie De simpl . med. facul . lib. 2. cap. 17. mixed . The other are deadly ( if we beleue Galen ) or at the least being laid vpon the skin , do quickle raise a blister . And those truelie are to be called sharpe when they are not mingled with strange qualities , whose proper terme and ende is to burne , as it is the qualitie of sower things to cleanse , of sweete , to nourish . And that the ashes of Crabbes worke not that effect , Galens wordes doe shewe , where hee disputeth of De simpl . med. facul . cap. 18. the differences of bitter and sharpe taste : for the sharpe ( saith he ) hath certaine moisture mingled with it , but the bitter he confesseth to haue a hotte and drie qualitie , and saith they are like ( as a man may well compare them ) vnto ashes . By which reason you should better haue saide , that the ashes of the eies of crabbes are rather bitter then sharp , whose moisture being consumed and vapored away by hear , they are made drith and ashes : whereby they get not ● sharpe , but a bitter qualitie : and although an earthlie substance , yet thinne , by how much the bodie is made more subtile , taking his qualitie of the fire , as before wee shewed Simpl. 11. cap. 51 out of Galen , and of necessity is made hot and drye , and therefore bitter , to clense , breake asunder , and cut grosse and viscose humors , as no doubt ashes and nitre doth ( as Simpl. 4. cap. 18. Galen teacheth ) whom at an other time you may better consult withall , least you appeare plainly ignorant of your first principles . But because I see some thinges must be pardoned you , go to , I willingly grant you that the calce of crabbes is sharpe : but that with his sharpnes , it doth increase the quartane , I vtterly deny . For I pray you ( good Sir ) is not Mustard , Peper , and Garlike , so far forth granted vnto him that is sicke of the quartane , by all the learned Greekes , Arabians and of Paul Aegineta himselfe , that they are also prescribed them for a diet . And the Diatrion Pipereon , or that they call Diospoliticon , are they not reckoned amongest the remedies for the quartane ? neither is it besides the purpose Lib. de febribus . to shew the words of the famous Phisition Hollerius vppon this point , where he writeth of the diet of the sicke of the quartane . As touching the diet ( saith he ) at the beginning of a mean matter , & by spaces from the beginning to the force of the disease , you may vse sharpe thinges as mustard , and salt meates , and after the force of the fitte the vse of them is necessarie , towards the end he addeth . Therefore are salt meates commended , because salt doth extenuat and driue away the excrementes , dryeth them vp , gathereth strength and comforteth .

By this I thinke you and all other do sufficiently perceiue how greatly you are deceaued in contemning our remedy taken out of the true doctrine of the learned . But because you know not the other simples which are put into this medecine , or at the least passe them ouer with silence , beholde I will gratify you and shew you the composition . It taketh the roote of Aron , or Cockow-pintell prepared , also the rootes of common Acorus , and Pimpinella , prepared and dried , the eies of the Crabbe calcyned ( of which for one dose , there is vsed not halfe a scruple ) with semen nastortij & suger a mixture is made of all . The dose is one spoonful in the morning for to comfort the weake stomacke , to put away all obstructions of the bowels , and hardnes of the splene , an excellent medicine often proued , and at this day in vse , with most learned Phisitions . I thinke there is no Doctor wil say this to be so absurd & hurtfull for the quartane . You should therefore if you reproue Paracelsus medicines , haue chosen some other more speciall thinges , wherein you might haue exercised the greatnes of your witte and proued your cunning . For these thinges ( although you enuiously call them Theophrasticall ) are both agreeable to reason , and to bee allowed of euery learned Phisition . But peraduenture you will say these thinges haue not beene knowen to the diuine Hippocrates , nor vnto Galen , and therefore you will conclude that they are to be reiected : but that is onely by your owne iudgement , and not by any reason , wee do not despise their excellent knowledge and diuine learning , neither violate their lawdable memory , when as we say they were the first that florished in Phisicke : yet therewithall we affirme that they had not tried all kinde of medecines , or knew the properties of them all . Life is short saith Hippocrates , & this Aphor. 1. art which is occupied about this perillous practise is ouer long : Neither was Galen ashamed to confesse where he writeth of Hydrargyrum , or quickesiluer 9. of simp. cap. 19. that he had neuer made any tryall , neither that it would kill if it were eaten , neither if it were applyed outwardly : nor is it to bee thought that Theophrastus was the first and onely inuenter of so many remedies , the knowledge whereof ( he himselfe confesseth in his bookes ) he attained by the conference of diuerse learned Philosophers and Phisitions , both Egyptians and Arabians , amongest whom for learning sake , he remayned certaine yeares captiue , from whom at the length he brought away so many faire prises of remedies , all which are taken partly out of the true oiles drawne of spices , herbes , fruites , flowers , and seedes , and th essence of all laxatiues , whereof one drop will profit more , then so many drammes and ounces : which also ( that they may worke by their whole substance ) may bee sowed and cast vpon their proper salt , which in many may be done , as in other the earth is to bee cast away as vtterly dead and contrary to purgation . Also of diuers rosins , gummes , and other kindes of vegetables are drawen many faire and very profitable preparations : as also of diuers partes of sundrie beastes , of which rightly prepared are made many verie holsome medicines , as by the true preparations of Mumia onely knowen vnto the Paracelsians is made a most laudable medecine in all pestilent infections . Of the oile and salt of a mans scull not buried for the epilepsye : of the oile of honie and wax for the tophy : of greases and other preparations the better to mollify and dissolue . So also of Muske , Ciuet , Castoreum , the Vnicornes horne , Iuorie , the horne and bone of the Hart , of a Stagge , and infinite other thinges are made many extractions for the paines of the hart and such like . Of all which the Chimicall art hath taught the true preparations which you do condemne . For the Paracelsian remedies are not onely taken out of the metalliyne bodies , perles , and pretious stones , as many foolishly thinke and perswade the whole world : neither are they sharpe and violent ( as the ignorant and vnskilfull prattle ) but most sweete and familier to our nature , which through the excellencie of the spirites they often preserue , quicken and clense from all impurities onlie by sweates : and finallie are not a little profitable by their whole substance , as many learned men daily ( with great successe ) doe practice : but of these thinges more then enough . Therefore now we will goe forward to those thinges which you write touching mettalles .

MANY write that mettell is a bodie to be digged vp by nature , either liquid , Agric. lib. 8. de natura fossil . as quick-siluer , or hard , which may be molté with the heate of the fier , as gold , siluer copper , leade and tinne , or softened as Iron . Other call all things that are digged out of the bowels of the earth by the proper name of mettalles . So Onesicritus writeth that in Carmania there is a mettall of a red chalke . Herodotus affirmeth ▪ that in Lybia about Atlantus , is a mettall of salt , and this doth Plinie testify in his 33. booke of his naturall historie . Others say that is proper mettall , which being molten is brought againe to his former forme , and that may be beaten out with hammer , is hard and apt to take impression & for that cause they deuide it into six , that is , golde , siluer , copper tinne , leade , and Iron : whereunto some haue added mercurie , not that it is a mettall indeede , but it may be . The Chimistes vse to call them by the names of the planets , not to referre their substance to the planets , as Aubertus foolishly thinketh : but partly moued with a certaine likenes of the greatest and principall starres ( for which cause they named the two most perfect mettalles , the Sunne and Moone ) and Iron for his hardnes , Mars , whom the Poets faine to be the God of armes and battell , and quicksiluer for the great and vncertaine motion they called Mercurie , and partly after the Pythagoreans , that they might hide their secrets vnder darke speeches . But I see no reason why Antimony should be properly receiued among mettalles ( wherefore by Agricola his leaue , whose aucthoritie Aubertus leaneth vnto ) it is to be excepted out of their kinde , for that it is alltogether repugnant to their definition : for all mettalles molten doe returne to their , proper forme , and such as are easie to be driuen , be hard , and apt to receiue impression : by which reason they differ from many liquable stones , in which the humiditie is not strongly mixed with the dry earthines , as also from infinite kindes of marcasites and halfe metalles . But Antymony molten doth vtterly loose his first forme , as practisioners doe daily trie , neither is it easye to be driuen , and practise sheweth it will take no print , and therefore properly it cannot be called mettall . But it pleased Aubertus which is so learned in mettalles to affirme this , that yet he dreameth that tynne glasse ( which is that Bisemutum , and that sinder or ashie kinde of leade whereof Agricola speaketh much in the 8. booke de natura fossil . ) to be Stibium molten , and the Chimists , basiliske , which is most absurd . For that tinne-glasse which is commonly called bisemutum , is not stibium any way prepared , neither the Chimistes basiliske , extract with tartar & niter , may be called bisemutum , which I leaue to the iudgement of al that be of vpright mindes : but this is small to the purpose , when many thinges are called by the name of mettall , and yet not properly . But let vs pardon Aubertus in this which neuer saw any mines that he might iudge rightly of them , neither vnderstandeth the minde of Agricola . In the meane time hee complaineth that Chimistes deuide the metalles into perfect and vnperfect , and that he thinketh ridiculous for many causes . First because of a certaine diffinition giuen by Geber , which agreeth no lesse to one mettall then an other : whereas the perfecte might be discried from the imperfect , one diffinition were to be giuen to the one an other to the other . As though the diffinition of a man were not agreeable to a child , although he be not yet come to a mans age : or in other accidentes seeme to differ from him , as mettals do differ among themselues . So the diffinitions of white and red coralles should be sundrie and diuers , that by reason of absolute and perfect concoction the white haue not attained the vttermost degree , whose definition notwithstanding is all one . But Aubertus to proue his opinion the better , writeth that all thinges , which haue essentiall forme ( as it is certaine mettalles haue ) must of necessitie be perfect . And that nature the godly parent of all thinges in doing of her office doth not cease or rest ( except it be letted ) vntill she hath attained her purposed end and scope . He addeth that the matter whereof any naturall thing is made , and whereabout nature is occupied , doth moue so long vntill it hath attained the essentiall forme . He concludeth that mettall cannot rightly be deuided into perfect and vnperfect , neither that gold ought by any meanes to be called more excellent and perfect , although it be more bewtifull and temperat then other mettalles , all which wee must confute , as sriuolous and vaine . And to prosecute all thinges in due order , we must shew that golde it selfe of the true Philosophers is worthily called more perfect , excellent , and pure then other mettals : that hereuppon wee may conclude , mettalles not without reason to be deuided of the Chimistes into perfect and vnperfect . Therefore that I may also stay vpon the aucthoritie of Agricola ( out of whom Aubertus hath specially taken those his wordes ) he writeth in lib. 5. de ortu & causis subterraneorum , that mettalles do differ among themselues , not onely in shining , but also in colour , sauour , sent , weight and power . And specially speaking of shining ( which you Aubertus confesse to be in golde and siluer ) he saith . But by how much the humor is more subtile , thicke and pure , by so much the mettall is more cleere and shining : for which cause in this behalfe gold excelleth the other . The excellencie of which gold Agricola himselfe seeketh in the difference of sent , sauour , and waight . For the vnperfect mettalles , when they come in any liquor are perceiued to be sower of taste , as copper and Iron : for the adust earth is cause of their sowernes , whereof those mettalles do participat , as Agricola himselfe witnesseth . But the other because of their pure earth , and more abundant water do not giue the liquors so sensible a sauor , bur rather a sweetish tast , as gold and siluer . Also for as much as in gold the earth is most pure and verie wel tempered with his water , it giueth verie litle or scarse sensible smoke when it is burned , and rather sweete then stinking . And Agricola addeth more that gold when it is purged in the fier hath in a maner no excremente ▪ because of his puritie , in others there is more , but so much more in one , then an other , as it is more vnpure . Also the excellency of golde is to bee sought for in his force and strength , because that besides it and siluer all other mettalles do vanish away in smoke , and perish with the violence of fier vppon the test or cople : which happeneth vnto them , as the earth in them is found to be lesse pure and their temperature not so good . As it hapneth vnto Iron through the impure earth , whereof there is great store in it . But when as gold alone cannot bee consumed 3. Meteor . cap. 6. with anie fierie heate , as Aristotle saith , and looseth nothing of his waight though it bee burned or tried , of necessity it must haue a most pure earth , and well compact with his water , whereby it commeth to passe , that his earth doth hold and let his humor , that it vapour not away , and contrariwise the humour defendeth the earth , that it butne not ( as saith Agricola ) which commeth to passe , as others do affirme , because of a most subtill , moist , and drye , that hath not any impuritie mixed . By this reason gold according to the nature of thinge ▪ is purer then other mettalles , and surmounteth them in price , because it is the most simple and purest mettall , and furthest from imperfection of elementes by reason of his forme . So Pliny saith , vnto one thing , which Lib. natu . hist. 33. cap. 3. is golde , nothing decayeth by fier ( as the Poet also saith ) and as appeareth by that aforesaid . By this we may gather , that amongest all mettalles , gold is not onely the brightest , but most temperat and perfect , in respect of which all other mettalles may worthely be called vnperfect . For nature alwaies tendeth to perfection , that is , to the making of golde , which alone amongest mettals is called perfect : for no agent naturall ( as the Philosophers say ) ceaseth from worke in his owne matter , neither is seperat , but with putting on some forme in that matter . Therefore so long as the agent is ioyned to the matter , or worketh vpon the matter , that is said to be vnperfect : for the perfection of any thing is not but by putting on of forme . For so much then as in all mettalles there is a certaine viscous water , which the Chimistes Philosophers call quickesiluer , because of the likenes which is put in place of the matter , and that which they call sulphur by like similitude of the agent or inducer of form in that matter : no mettall can bee called perfect , but that from which the sulphur is separated , But because other mettalles haue their sulphur mixed in the matter , whereby they are killed , made blacke , calcined and burned ( which happeneth vnto them onely by that dry exhalation , that is , the sulphur because it is a matter apt to be set on fire ) for that cause they be altogether called vnperfect . But on the contrary part because onely golde is altogether without this sulphur , which the affinitie of gold and quicksiluer by it selfe doth sufficiently declare . ( For as Pliny writeth , all things swimme vppon it but gold , which alone it draweth vnto it ) Lib nat. hist. 33. cap. 6. By this meanes it is free from corruption both in the fier & out of the fier , Of right therefore , it alone is called perfect , and formed according to the first and true intention of nature , and complete , because it is come to the vttermost end wherein it is complete , and pure because the agent is not mingled with the matter , but is seperat from it . To this purpose writeth Aristotle Met. 3. cap. vltimo speaking of mettalles : wherefore saith he they conteine earth in them , and are all burned because they haue a drye exhalation , But gold alone of all the rest vseth not to be burned . But Aubertus not content with these reasons will answeare : what so euer hath attained an essentiall forme , of necessity must bee perfect . But all mettalles haue their substantial forme . No man will deny ( saith he ) except it be some blockhead ashes blower : and by that meanes hereupon concludeth , that all are perfect . But it is easy enough for vs to answere this obiection . For those thinges which perseuer in their nature are called perfect in their kinde through their substantiall forme : but some continue by nature in their kinde , which notwithstanding are made perfect by some meanes through their substantiall forme , to the which their is a certaine motion and end : but because they are carried to another later essentiall forme , which altogether finisheth the matter it selfe , and maketh it complet : therfore they are called vnperfect ▪ so long as they remaine vnder that first forme , in respect of the later , to the attaining whereof they do endeuor themselues . But if no accompt be made of that later forme , but they be considered onely in themselues : they are truely perfect in that their kinde ( through their essentiall forme ) as that kinde doth require . This all men see in the generation of egges , in which there is a certaine determined motion in the getting of his substantiall forme , which doth so remaine . But because those egges are by nature ordeined to this end , not to remaine vnder that forme , but to bring forth a byrde , and so is made the begetting of the latter substantiall forme : Therefore egges are called vnperfect vnder the forme of an egge : but it is a perfect thing after the bringing forth of a birde , for that is the last ende of egges . This is likewise to be iudged of mettalles , which albeit they haue in their kinde gotten an essentiall forme , yet can they not be called perfect , in respect of gold , which alone is said to bee perfect , vntill they come to that last & perfect end , that is , to the perfection of golde , and become golde . And like as in the generation of the Embrio , there is comparison of the vegetable soule to the sensible and of the sensible to the rationall , and not as formes so other imperfect mettalles are in respect of gold . Therefore the Chimisticall Philosophers haue worthily deuided the mettalles into perfect and vnperfect . For although the difference of mettalles be in the forme it selfe , yet shall it not be properly the difference of the kindes , as the difference of man and horse , but shall be taken more properly of the matter , & his partes that is according as it is digested or vndigested , complete or incomplete , seeing those are altogether of one proper matter . But indigest and incomplete is spoken in respect of gold . But whereas Aubertus judgeth Iron more noble then golde , because it serueth more to the vse man , I thinke he shall neuer perswade any Phisitions ( be they neuer so vnlearned ) which rather desire to catch gold then Iton . But I suppose there is suff●ciently spoken touching the excellencie and perfection of gold : and because we said that mettalles are of one proper matter , although not in all alike digested , herein consisteth the point of the question , therefore we must now come to seeke out that matter of mettalles . The Philosophers make two causes of mettals , as also of all other mixed bodies . The one generall and far of , which is taken of the elements , as of the first causes of all things , of which they consist , as of most simple , & are resolued againe as into most simple . The Peripatecians contende against the Stoickes , that onely the qualities and vertues of the elementes doe passe one into another , and altogether mingled . The Stoickes contrarily doe affirme that whole substances are mingled with the whole : but leauing these waues of slipperie opinions we will goe to the safe and quiet port . And in this point we do allow the opinion of Aubertus , who thinketh the elementes not to be mixed bodies essentially , or in deede , but in power , which Galen witnesseth in the first book , de methodo medendi , where he writeth that the elements are to be mingled wholly with the whole , onely by their qualities . Of the second or proper matter of mettalles , the opinion of many Philosophers is not agreeable , but very diuers . For some said the neerest matter of mettals is a moist breath , as Aristotle : & some hold it to be a water drawen from other elementes , which Agricola alloweth , whose opinion our Aubertus agreeth vnto . Other deeme it ashes moistened with water . But the Chimist whose opinion Aubertus goeth about to ouerthrow , saith quicksiluer is the matter of them : some haue ioyned sulphur : all which opinions are breefly and diligently to be examined by vs , that the matter may bee more euident , and that all men may vnderstand how vnworthely Aubertus & others haue inue●ghed against so many famous Chimist philosophers . Aristotle the prince of 3 met . cap. vltimo . philosophers assineth a double matter of those things which are made within and vppon the earth , by the supernaturall power and force , that is a breath and a vapour , by the mixture whereof , in the bowelles of the earth h●ethinketh all are made and haue their originall ▪ and those hee d●uideth according to the diuer●e nature of the matter into two sortes , that is , into thinges to be digged , and ●e●●allyne . They are called fossilia , because they are digged out of the earth , and like vnto the earth that is digged , neither are they liquable , as all kind of stones which are made of a dry exhalation set on fier , and with the heate consuming the moisture , and in a manner burning it . The other sort are metallyne , whereof some are fusible and liquable , because they draw neerer to the nature of moisture , then of drith , as leade and tinne , and are so called because they are easelier molten then beaten . On the contrary , those that are to be beaten , which are molten with greater difficulty , as Iron , whose next matter is a vaperous breath congealed by cold , and groweth into mettall according to the opinion of Aristotle , whom our Aubertus thinketh worthy to be reprooued : For saith he , it cannot come to passe in the nature of things that there may be a passage from one extreame or contrary into an other without any meane : for it is euident that mettalles and breathes are of contrary qualities , for these are very subtill , and the other very grose . Hereupon he concludeth in the originall of mettalles , breathes and vapoures Lib ▪ 5. de ortu & causis sub●er . doe of necessitie first congeale into humors before they harden into mettalls . This did he take out of Agricola : but that excellent learned man , Iacobus Scheggius in his commentaries vpon Arist. Meteors , doth sufficiently defend Aristotle , being vnworthily reproued , where he teacheth , that the breath or vapor whereof water commeth is one . & that whereof mettalles concreteth is an other , as also that wherof a storme groweth another : for it is sometime more ponderouse and grosse then that whereof water groweth . By which reason they propose a further distant matter of mettalles which say it is water , then they which say it is a breath , when as the greatest part of meteors do growe vpon these breathes and vaperous matters raised vp out of the water and earth by the force of heate : for so much as there is no fertility of the water or earth without heat : for heate doth procre at these two as a first childe in whose nature the force of the parentes ( that is of the foure elementes ) is represented , and as it were an ingendring power of them doth consent together , two qualities working by a masculine force , the other two suffering as feminine . But either of them obaying the celestiall temperature as their father , whereby these thinges without life are accustomed to be procreat , by the instrument of the first qualities . And this may be perceaued by the verie sence , that so grosse vapors do often breake out in places vnder the ground that the diggers can not take breath , and sometimes through the grosenes therof as Galen witnesseth , are choked . If they be so grosse , who will iudge that mettalles and breathes , are of contrary qualities , but that they may grow into a sound matter of mettalles , without any other meane , as the ponderous vapor doth into a storme ? Furthermore ( as multitudes of people can testify ) if it hath rained copper and Iron , and that stones and such other bodies do grow and are made in the vppermost aire , how should these be engendred of water , & earth , for whom there is no place to tarrie in the aire , rather then of vapour and breath , which both can pearce & stay there for their thinnes and heate . Wherefore it is certaine that mettalles rather haue their originall of breath then of water : which breath because it is grosse , doth also easely congeale . But what needeth more of this , when it is manifest to all Philosophers that all thinge haue their originall of that whereunto they may at last be reduced , For all mettalles ( except the two perfect ) which by greater decoction haue their matter more compact and fixed , are they not reduced into a breath of vapor ? & in the examination of the test or cople do they not vanish away into smoke ? Yes truly into smoke , which is not turned into water , or moisteneth , but grosse because of the earthines mixed with it , being congeled & thickned with cold , which by certain experience may daily be seene & perceaued of those which work in fier and more easily also of the Philosophers in their sublimations . The same doth Tutia , Cadmia and Pompholix with other such like prooue , which comming of the vapoures of mettalles sticke to the walles of the furnaces , and shew them to be grosse in the mines , neither do represent water by any meanes . Let Aubertus therefore with his leaden argument hold his tongue which goeth about to ouerthrow Aristotles opinion , neither let him iudge rashly of things which he knoweth not , but credit those which haue experience , & know those vapors to bee most thicke , whereof mettals are first congealed , and without any other meane hardned . But hauing ouerthrowen Aristotle , let vs see what iudgement he will giue of other lerrned men and Philosophers , as of Albertus magnus , Geber , and other Collars ( for by that name this our noble censor adorneth those excellent men ) whose opinions Aubertus refelleth in this point , because they say , that quicksiluer and sulphur is the next matter of mettalles , and goeth about with certeine arguments to shew , how they are out of the way . First touching quicksiluer , he saith , it is not likely to be the propper matter of mettalles , because it can not congeale into hardnes : surely an excellent argument and worthy to bee often repeated of the author , whereunto notwithstanding he is answered by vs before the saith it can not congeale ▪ because it is of an airy substance . But the vapor which we concluded out of Aristotle , to be the next matter of mettalles , who will not confesse to be airy in respect of water , and notwithstanding who will denie but it may congeale ? then I confesse that quicksiluer is airy : and therefore many Philosophers iudge it not to be a mettall but onely in Power : but I do call it so to bee airy , that it sendeth forth a most grosse vapour , which by colde congealeth , as may bee seene in Mercurie ●u●limat , and many other his preparations , wherein he sendeth forth his smokes and vapors , but not so a●rye , but they will grow thicke . But what will you say to those vnp●rfect mettalles , which as wee before said in examination do fl●e away into smokes and vapors : what finally shall wee thinke of their matter and forme brought to nothing , will you not confesse the grosse vapour which wee call quicksiluer to bee the matter of them , when at the last mettalles are reduced againe into it . But Aubertus alledgeth this out of Aristotle : those thinge ▪ which perteine vnto water ▪ if they conte●ne ●n them ● o ● a●re then water , they can not congeale as o●le and quicksiluer . But the matter of 〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉 to be ● rought to a hardnes , otherwise they cou●●● not put on the forme of mettalles : ther fore their matter can not bee quicksiluer , for so much as it can not congeale to hardnes . But this argument is no more effectuall then the former : For he setteth downe as graunted that which he hath not by any means prou●d , and which we haue alreadie denyed : for we graunted vnto him that quicksiluer was of an a●rie substance , but that it cannot therfore congeale , wee deny , when contrary to his minde we haue shewed his vapors do congeale . And truly Aubertus doth not deny but by art it doth harden , but hee thinketh that neither by art or nature it may congeale into mettalle in hardnes or forme , as thoughe to thinke , were to demonstrate a thing . Therefore he denyeth quicksiluer to be the matter of mettalles : the cause which he alledgeth , that it is of an airy substance , is of no force . For wee haue showed out of Aristotle , that it is a vapour of an airy substance in respect of water , and neuerthelesse the next matter of mettals . Therefore airy thinges are to bee distinguished : for such as are altogether and simply airy because of the predominant matter cannot be coagulated neither by heat or by cold , because their airie moisture cannot bee dryed vp , the earth w●nting , by which reason also they swimme vpon the water , witnesse Aristotle as oile , and are easily set on fire , because it is matter of fire , as oile it selfe and wooddes which swimme vpon the water , except ebenum which is more earthly , as by his waight may be iudged : but quicksiluer is neither set on fire , neither matter of fire , but most contrary vnto it like water , neither is it light but ponderous , that in it the soundest boddies of all mettalles will swimme vpon golde onely except for the great affinitie of them both , whereby it appeareth , that it is of an other substance , then simply aire like oile . Therefore to the similitude of this quicksiluer , the next matter of mettalles : the Chimicall Philosophers haue said , that this quicksiluer is ingendred of a strong commixtion of the first matter of all mettals , that is of a moist viscous incombustible humour , incorporat with a subtill earth , equally and strongly mixed by small partes in the minerall caues of the earth . Vnto this wise nature ( because the matter bringeth not it selfe to effect ) ioyneth his proper agent , that is sulphur , which is nothing else then a certaine fatnesse of the earth engendred in the proper mines , and by temperat decoction thickned , that it may turne the quicksiluer by digestion , and concoction into forme of mettall . Therefore this sulphur is to the quicksiluer as the man to the woman , and as the proper agent to the proper matter . Not that this quicksiluer and sulpur ( as some foolishly thinke ) are found by themselues in their nature in the mines , but that these are alreadie mingled by nature , and by longe concoction brought into the nature of earth . And this truly is the ne●rest matter of mettalles , as in the generation of man meate is neerer matter then the elements , the blood neerer then meate , and the sperme neerer then blood it selfe : and at last by apt digestion the matter receiueth the shape of a man . So when as it is said , that mettals are first made of the foure elements , as of their generall and first matter : the same order kept , it is necessarie that of those elements come vapours , of vapours a slimie water ( which is yet a neerer matter than the vapors , lest by defending Aristotle , Aubertus may thinke mee to gainsay my selfe ) and heauy , mingled with a subtile sulphureous earth which is called quicksiluer : of which as of a neerer matter by meane of the mixture and working of the outward sulphur is made gold or other mettall according to the great or lesser digestion of nature . For as the Philosopher writeth Metaph. 6. when any thing is said to be made of another , either an extreme & perfect , is made of a meane and vnperfect , as of a childe , a man , or else an extreme ▪ of extreme , as aire of water : but let vs returne to our Aubertus . He writeth that sulphur also can not bee the matter of mettalles . But let vs heare by what reasons he doth proue it . Sulphur , saith he , according to Aristotle , is ingendred of a hot , drie , and vnctuous breath , but mettals are ingendred of an other breath hot and moist , and a litle vnctuous . Truly a goodly , but sophisticall argument , by which he goeth about to proue his purpose , by the opinions which he hath already impugned , Let him therefore remember that he before hath affirmed against Aristotle , that breath was not the matter of mettalles : and now he doth confesse that mettalles are ingendred of breaths . Therefore he speaketh against himselfe , that he shall not neede my refutation : hee addeth to proue his opinion , that sulphur waxeth soft with moisture like salt , and that mettalles are molten only with strong fire : but of a false antecedent can not follow a good consequent . For by no meanes is sulphur dissolued into water , but by heat is molten like leade : and this should our searcher of thinges vnder ground first haue tryed , then to affirme so boldl●e that which is false . Therefore that dart may be bent against him wherewith hee supposed to haue wounded ●he Chimistes . Also he saith , that sulphur is of an airy and fi●ie substance , and therefore can not bee increased or congealed . But I haue afore shewed the contrary , wherfore he is not to looke for any other answeare of me , because he hath neither reproued my argument , neither made any demonstration of his opinion by firme reasons . But this one thing sufficeth , that all wise Chimistes do affirme , that this which they call sulphur , is not the common sulphur which burneth with combustion of blacknes and adustion & is burned : whereas their proper sulphur doth whiten , rubify , coagulat , and finally make perfect that Chimicall quickesiluer which is commonly vnknowen into the substance of golde , according to nature , or of the philosophers stone , and gold according to art . And this is the true secret sulphur , and the onely tincture and shadow of the sonne and the proper congeler of his quicksiluer which the Philosophers haue shadowed with diuers names their dark speeches and enigmaes ▪ whereby it appeareth Aubertus to haue farre erred , and by all meanes to bee refused , because he speaketh of a sulphur which he knoweth not : and that the Chimick Philosophers are not to be blamed because they say quicksiluer and sulphur to be the matter of mettalls , which do not vnderstand it of the common quicksiluer & sulphur . For they know that these things whereof they speake are not founde in the mettal mines in their verie nature : but o● those two they say , there is made a third mixture , hauing the natures , properties & vertues of them , that of it may be engendred , any mettall according to the diuersitie of the composition , digestion and place . These shall suffice touching the next matter of mettalles which Aubertus would haue to be water wrought vpon by the other elements , but he hath kept silent the cause why he thinketh so being contented to say that it is set forth by others , or that he hath found it in other mens writings , which is the saying of a man that will proue his opinion by an other mans credit , and not by reason , as the true Philosophers doe . But now the efficient causes call vs which the Philosophers make double and so many passions . for heat and cold are called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , because they haue power to moue : moist and drie 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , for because they rather suffer any thing then worke , and are said to be wrought vpon of the first qualities , as of the most noble and higher in nature , by whose worke forme is ingendred in thinges : for the matter is not knowen by it selfe , but by the chaunge which cannot be without suffering , as neither that without touching , the which by coniunction , and cogelation , and by introduction of act and forme is abolished . But it is to be obserued that by the mixture of drie and moist the bodies are first called congealed , then harde or soft : of which congealed bodies there is a triple difference ? for it is either a watrie humor that is congealed , or some dry earthly thing , or a mixture of them both . Also these , some of them are molten , some dried , some moistened , and some made soft . But those thinges which are drye and fierie , as hony and must , will neuer be congealed , and they which are moist & airie predominant as all oily thinges . Wherefore these also are not elements , neither the matter of these sufferinges . But of bodies which doe congeale and are hardened according to Aristotle , some are affected by heate and some by cold : by heate drying vp the humor , by cold driuing out the heate ▪ Therefore those thinges that are congealed by heat by want of moisture are dissolued of cold , which maketh the moisture to enter in againe as salt . And those thinges which for lacke of heate are congealed , are dissolued againe by heate , entring in againe as mettals : for whatsoeuer is dissolued melting , is molten either by fire or water . Whatsoeuer melteth by water must needes be congealed by hot & drie , that is , fiery heate : and those which fier melteth , or whose congelacion in any part it doth dissolue ( as horne ) are congealed by colde , for of contrarie effectes the causes be contrarie : and because that mettalles do melt by heat , it is of necessitie that first they were congealed by cold , as the efficient cause , whereof none of the Chimist philosophers doth doubt , although , as Aristotle some time saith , experience sheweth vs the contrary : for salt is congealed by heate , and may bee dissolued and molten by fier as I haue often tried , and it is called fusible salt . Neither Albertus Magnus that great Philosopher ought to be reprehended of our Aubertus because he referreth the power of making mettalles vnto heate , when as Albertus doth not meane it of only heat , as he thinketh . Therefore it is to be knowen , as Aristotle witnesseth thinges by meanes of colde to suffer rather then to worke , because that cold is proper to the patient elements , that is water and earth , which both by nature are cold . For they do not receiue cold from any other thing as they do heate , but by taking away the heat they coole of their owne nature , neither are they cooled by any externall cause , as the aier and fier . Wherfore albeit cold in mixed thinges hath an efficient force , yet it preuaileth rather to corruption then to generation , Therefore the Chimists are not to be reprooued , although they say that nature needeth a heat vnder the earth for the procreation of mettals , as a more effectuall efficient cause which may mingle , alter , dispose , digest , and concoct their matter , & at last with long tract of time frame it into gold as into his last end . Neither are they to be reproued in this that they refer some force to the influence of the heauenly bodies : for Aristotle ●onfirmeth their opinion in his booke de coelo & mundo and his booke of the causes of the properties of elements in these wordes . For saith he the first beginnings mouing to generation , and inducing forme in euery thing are the starrie and heauenlie bodies , by their mouing and light . For they are the first that moue , moued of the intelligences to performe the nature of generation or corruption for the preseruation of kindes , and of them is giuen forme and perfection , and as hee said in an other place : the sonne and man engendreth man ▪ nether doth Aubertus rightly conclude vppon this reason , the art of Alchemy to be vaine , if mettalles bee ingendred by force of the starres , when as the Chimiste s can not haue the fruition of this heauenly power : for they beleeue with the Philosopher , that if formes bee put on vppon inferiour thinges by the motion and light of the heauenly bodies , & by their site and aspect , the same by consequent to come to passe in mettalles , but that is done as it were by a generall cause and farre off : but they haue a neerer efficient cause , as we said that is heate , by force whereof mettalles congealed in the bowels of the earth are disposed , digested & made perfect . These thinges thus declared , we must see to what end Aubertus tendeth and what is his vttermost scope , hee would haue the labour of the Chimistes , which they take vpon them in making perfect of mettalles to be vtterly vaine and lost , and he denyeth that copper , tinne , Iron or leade , ( which of them are called vnperfect mettalles ) can by any art be made perfect , and be turned into gold and siluer . And first saith hee , it is euident those foure mettalles to bee perfect : but we haue before shewed they are altogether vnperfect for many causes , neither can it be denied but that by art and right preparation they are made much more perfect and excellent in their kinde . Therefore Aristotle 4. met . cap. 6. Iron saith hee , wrought is molten that it becommeth moist and congealeth againe : and no otherwise are they accustomed to make steele , for the fex of the Iron setleth and is seperat into the bottom : and when it is after made pure and cleane from his forces it becommeth steele : but Iron is so much the better as it hath least excrements . But let vs passe ouer authorities , when we haue sufficiently approued this by philosophicall reasons , by which we haue more then sufficiently shewed onely gold to be perfect , all other mettalles to be vnperfect . Moreouer Aubertus addeth , that he might make the art of transmutation vnpossible . Those things which are ma●e perfect and formed by art are artificiall , but mettalles both by knowledge of the name and diffinition of the essence are naturall , for they are mineralles saith he and haue their originall onely from a naturall beginning , therefore they are naturall , and that according to Aristotle . For naturall thinges haue the beginning of their making in themselues . but those which are made by art , not : but haue it outwardly from some other ▪ and brieflie to end , hee addeth that no naturall forme can bee put on by art , whereby hee concludeth that there can be no artificiall mettalles . Now therfore goe too , it is our part to ouerthrow these arguments , and finally to proue the Chimick art to be true , which imitating nature it selfe doth transmute mettalles , we said before they were called vnperfect , which were in motion to that forme whereunto they were last decreed , and those perfect , which haue attained the end of their motion . And because gold is come to the vttermost terme of his motion , & is formed according to the true intent of nature as we haue alreadie shewed : therefore we hane concluded that alone to be perfect , and all othe● that be in their motion to the forme of gold to be vnperfect , whose perfection notwithstanding nature doth still prosecute in her bosome that she might conuert them , although in long time into golde . This can the diggers of mettalles testify which in one hundred waight of lead finde certaine ounces of fine siluer , which is their great gaine . So also in many copper mines there is found gold : and likewise in siluer mines , which when as such as are skilfull of these thinges perceiued , or as often as they found any vnperfect siluer through indigestion , they vse to shut vp their mines , and prouide that they be so let alone for 30. yeares or more vntill there bee made a perfect concoction by the heate vnder the earth . So also writeth Plinius , that there Hist. lib. 33 cap. 4. is siluer in golde by diuers waight , in some the tenth part , some nine , and some eight . In one onely mettall saith Galen , which they call Albi●rarense , the 26 , part is found , and therfore it is more excellent then other , because it is according to the greater or lesse digestion of nature , as may be iudged ▪ For when as digestion is complete , then is found most pure and perfect gold . Whereby it appeareth that albeit mettals be in a certaine terme of motion , yet not to bee in the last , and that they are in the way and passage to gold , as to that Hist. lib. 33. cap. 6. which is only perfect . For where any vaine of mettal is found neere therto is also found another : wherupon after Pliny they are called mettals of the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that one is sounde after another . But Aubertus wil say to this . If vnperfect mettals by longer decoction may be reduced into gold by nature , why do not the diggers expect that time , speciallie seeing , if that should come to passe , they should haue much greater gaine by the thing : we answere there are certaine things which make the generation of mettalles diuers not onely in kinde but in properties and accidents , according to the regions and places where they grow , as also beastes are made diuers , as writeth Aristotle 6. de animalibus . For in Egipt Scorpions are not venemouse , in other places contrary : and wheat in time & in some places doth degenerate into rye , & rye into wheat : So is to be said of mettalles which although they be appointed of nature vnto their end , that is that they should be gold , notwithstanding by the diuersity of Regions and mines and their corruption some are brought to their degree of perfection that they become golde , and some remaine in the path of imperfection according to the diuersitie of digestion or purifying : For by weaker heate nature doth congeale some vndigested thinges as lead and tinne , & some with a superfluous and burning heate , as copper and Iron , and some contrariwise for want of heate and lacke of an agent doth not congeale as quicksiluer . But nature it selfe bringeth forth siluer with a reasonable temporat heate , but gold with a most temperate which needeth no workemanship to be made perfect , as that hath attained the vttermost end and accomplishment . For as Aristotle saith in his 2. booke de Coelo & mundo : that onely is good accomplishment that needeth no labour to make it good , and all perfection of thinges consisteth in this point , that they receiue their last accomplishment , For so much then as the vnperfect mettals haue not attained to that last ende of perfection for the causes aforesaid : therefore they lacke the worke of art , by whose help following nature it selfe , they are at length made perfect , and attaine that last end whereunto they were ordeined of nature , that is they become golde . For as the Philosopher writeth 2. Ethicor. truely sometime art maketh perfect some things which nature cannot worke , other some it doth follow . So nature being holpen by art , trees bring forth their flowers and fruites euen in the winter season , and in cold countries , which nature of it selfe could not do , as is to be seene in the county palatines orchard at Hedelberge , and in many other places : but that which Aubertus saith , that in the whole work of Alchemy nature doth vtterly rest , and onely art doth moue the subiect , it is most falsly spoken : for by reason of nature being agent Chymia is a naturall worke , for the matter in the selfe same stone which by decoction it desireth , retaineth , digesteth , expelleth , corrupteth , engendreth , and formeth in his time by the commandement of almightie God , wherewith nature doth forme mettalles by the mixture of it : but by reason of the ministerie I confesse Chimia to be an artificiall worke , not that art doth corrupt engender and forme , but thus farre onely that it ministreth all this vnto natures working , which otherwise of it selfe it could not alone performe : for nature worketh two manner of waies to engender golde : one by it selfe : and first of all when it doth engender gold in his proper mines , and of his proper beginninges , in which it is vnpossible for art to imitate nature . Secondly it worketh by it selfe but not first , because first it engendreth some vnperfect mettall of the same beginninges in his mine : and lastly conuerteth it into gold , in which point art followeth nature it selfe , in that of vnperfect mettalles it maketh gold as nature it selfe doth . Hereby it is euident something to be made of something : two manner of waies mediatly and immediatly . For according to Arist. lib 9. Meta. There may be many matters of one thing , as mediat and immediat : albeit at the last the mediat matter must bee reduced into the immediat , for otherwise of diuerse matters diuers thinges would rise . Therfore because art taketh both the mediat & immediat matter which nature doth , & reduceth the mediat at the last to the immediat as nature also doth , & hath one and the selfe same agent which shall spoile the quicksiluer , and at last transforme it , and the end of art and nature is all one , that is by the vniting of this forme with his matter , at last to ingender gold : there is no doubt , but that art imitating nature it selfe in all pointes can make an vnperfect mettall a perfect , as nature it selfe doth make , as we haue aforesaid . Wherefore the causes being all one , of necessitie they also must be one , and bring forth the like effectes . Neither do I thinke them to be excused which seeke the subiect of the Chymick Philosophers in the vegitalles . Their lahour is in vaine , for there can be no generation but by the neerest , conuenient and immediates , Others haue bestowed their labors vpon animall thinges , specially in an egge , because the Chimick Philosophers moued with a certaine similitude of egges called their worke the egge , and said that the egge euen as the Elixir doth conteine 4 elements , whose shell they called the earth , the thinne skinne the aire , the white water , and the yelke fier . So also the same Philosophers by a darke speech said , their stone was one in three , and three in one , because it conteineth in it a bodie that standeth , a soule that g●ueth life , and a spirit that staineth . They which vnderstand not these darke speeches , perswaded themselues that an egge was the Philosophers stone , because it conteined three in one , the shell , the yelke , and the water : and therefore at last concluded the egge to be the onely matter sought for by the Chim●stes , being no lesse deceaued then other , not considering this matter not to be fit to draw out mettall out of . For a man begetteth a man & a beast a beast . But because good Au●ertus hath tried this with his losse ( as I hard ) which decocting egges philosophically consumed some hundred of crownes : therefore he quarrelleth with the art , as though it had deceiued him , but vndeserued , when he himselfe rather erred : for art is not bound to maintaine his fault . For kinde ought to be ioyned with kinde , and like with like , and euery blossom to answere to his seede , as we said afore . And there be some which seek the matter of their Elixir not in vegitals or animalls , but in thinges vnder the earth and neerer . For they say that art doth immitate nature , and therefore thinke to labor vpon those first matters wherupon nature , wrought and decoct quicksiluer and sulphur , which they heare to bee ▪ the next matter of mettalles . But sillie men they loose both their cost and labour : For the Philosophers quicksiluer is not that common , neither also the common sulphur as I said . For is there any man which can attaine the intent of nature in due proportion and measure ? no man truely . Moreouer quicksiluer if you set it but to a verie litle ●ier , it vaporeth away , & being mixed is seperated , & sulphur also not hardly , when notwithstanding the coniunction of both these is necessarie euen to the end of digestion in the generation of mettalles : so are they deceaued as many as seeke the stone in marchasites , tuty , antimony , ar●●ick , & orpment , when as it is either altogether an inseperable sulphur , & yet ought to be seperat at lest , as wee haue said : or because it is seperat with a small fier , all the Philosophers writings sufficiently declare that it can not bee the Philosophers subiect . They also erre which think to take gold for the man and siluer for the woman : which two they amalgame ( for we may vse the words of the art ) with common mercurie , & of three make one , which they decoct chyminically , sublyme : and out of it at last drawe the spirit , which afterward they goe about to fix . For they depart from the philosophers writinges which confesse all with one mouth , that the agent is ioyned and proportionat by nature in the mines with his owne matter , and they say , that it is but one thing wherein are the foure elementes well proportioned , that there is the ●ixer & the ●ixed , the stayner and the stained , white and red , male and female compound together . It is therefore as wee said before a certaine third nature , common and altered of diuerse mixture and digestion of sulphur and quicksiluer , in which is a mineral power to ingender a mixt thing , which to do so , perpetuallie worke and suffer betweene themselues vntill they be translaved from the forme of vnperfect bodies , first begotten ( the agent not being yet seperat from his matter ) into an other forme , and at last come by continuall digostion and purifications to the last & true perfect forme which is the forme of golde , in which is the last tearme of motion where also the agent is v●terly seperate from his matter . Many see●e what this is , few finde it , or if they do finde it , they know not the preparations and intentions of the philosophers , whose medecine is also drawen out of those things by art , in which it dwelleth potentially by nature , and in Philosophici lapidis operationes . Calcinatio . 1 which the perfection of the first matter , and all mettalles are found . This matter after they haue founde it , first they thinke meete to be calcined , and purged from all his filths restoring his h●a●e and preseruing his naturall moisture : for in the Chimicke calcination there ought to be no diminution Solutio . 2 of ▪ the body , but rather multiplication . Then they reduce the calcined matter by making thin his groines into a certaine liquid substance , as into his first matter , which they call minerall water , which doth not wet the handes . then is it made one in kinde , but not so in number : whose father they call the sunne , the moone the mother , and mercury the mediator , & the bodie is altered from his proper forme , but a new is induced immediatly : for there is nothing Element . separatio . 3 founde in the nature of thinges spoiled of all forme . That done , out of that so dissolued they seperat the four elements and deuide them into two partes into the ascendenter spirituall , and into the inferiour or earthly , which twoo partes yet are of one nature , for the inferiour is the leauen fixing it , and the superior part is the soule quickning the whole matter . Notwithstanding their diuision is necessarie , that they all might be the easilier changd amongest themselues , and therewith part by passing into water wax blacke , and the water by passing into airie wax white , and the aire be● turned into fier .