The art of chymistry as it is now practiced / written in French by P. Thibaut ... ; and now translated into English by a fellow of the Royal Society.

THE ART OF CHYMISTRY , As it is now Practised .

Of the Chymical Laboratory .

THE Chymical Laboratory is a place fit to perform the Operations of Chymistry , which cannot be done without great preparations , experience , industry and skill .

The Chymical Laboratory , requires of it self three Conditions : First , there must be a Chimney in it for those Processes , where some unpleasant and noisom smoaks are to be avoided : Secondly , The Room ought to be clear and light , that one may see distinctly , even to the bottom of the Vessels , the divers changes that do happen , and which sometimes , in some choice and important Operations , ought to be observed with a great deal of care , that one may either augment or diminish the heat , as necessity shall require . Thirdly , The place ought to be so capacious , as that in one part may be the Furnaces , in another the Vessels and Utensils , and in another your Auditors or Spectators ; and yet in the middle there may be room enough left for the Artist to mind his Operations , and bestir himself .

Of the Chymical Instruments .

THe Chymical Instruments , with which a Laboratory ought to be furnished , are of two sorts : for some are Principal , the others less-Principal .

The Principal Instruments without which no Operation can be done , are , the Lute , the Furnaces , the Vessels , and the Fire .

The less-Principal are those that serve sometimes for one Process , sometimes for another , towards the facilitating of them ; and are in great number . But I propose only Thirty of the most useful : viz. an Iron Ladle , a little Iron Bar , an Iron Spatula , a great Stick , a Brass Mortar and Pestle , a Marble Mortar , with a Woodden-pestle ; a Plate-dish of White-ware , with a Glass-pestle , two pair of Scales and Weights ; a Marble or Porphyry-stone to grind upon ; some Pack-thread , white and brown Paper , Starch or Glue , a fine Sieve ; some old Linen-rags cut out into long slices , some Ashes , some Sand , some Tiles , some water , a Tin-Mould in form of a Pipe , an Iron-Mould for Pistol-Bullets , a Copper-Mould for a Goblet , a little Trevet , a Woodden Spoon , a Tin-Tunnel , Rolls stuft with Straw or Chaff , or made of Paste-board , a Mould for Bricks , a Fire-Shovel , a pair of Tongs , and a pair of Bellows . Of these we shall not treat here particularly , but as occasion shall serve in the Operations where they shall be imployed .

Of the Chymical Lute .

TO make a good Lute for all the purposes of Chymistry , take of Potters-Earth , of white or yellow Sand , and of Horse-dung , an equal quantity , not an equal weight ; mingle them , and moisten them by little and little with water , first working them together with your feet upon the ground , then piece by piece kneading of them exactly with your hands upon a Table , till you have so incorporated your Ingredients , that they are not distinguishable from one another ; then make them up in form of Bricks , that so you may use them more neatly ; keeping them from Fire and Sun , lest they should be over-dry and hard . The Potters Earth is made use of because of its unctuosity , which makes the Lute less brittle ; the Sand is employed to bind the Potters Earth from cracking , and flying , and burning to dust . ( And some do use powder'd Glass for the same end . ) The Horse-dung is added , because being full of little Straws well grownd by the Horses Teeth , they do serve for the firmer knitting of the matter together . ( And so some use Calves Hair for that purpose . ) Finally , the Water incorporates these three things together ; In the place of which , some use the Whites of Eggs , which by their sliminess make a stronger conglutination of all the Ingredients .

This Lute serves for six uses : 1. To make Bricks . 2. To lute and cement the Bricks of your Furnaces . 3. To fill up the cracks and slits of your Furnaces . 4. To frame little Rounds like Salt-sellers to set the Retorts on . 5. To lute all Vessels both of Earth and Glass . 6. To repair the cracks of your Vessels . Now because there is a peculiar industry in well forming the Bricks and Salt-sellers , or Rounds , and in luting the Vessels ; I shall here set it down at length .

Our Bricks are all of a bigness and proportion , that so our Furnaces may be the more even and firm , and the easilier built , even without cement : Moreover , they are almost in the shape of a half Moon , that they may make the Furnace round ; that figure being the fittest to gather and concentrate the heat . Therefore we form our Bricks in a Woodden-mould either of Box or Guaiac , or some such hard wood . The piece of wood is a foot long , half a foot broad , and three inches thick . In its middle there must be a hollow or overture drawn from a Round made with a Compass ; which Overture ought to be eight inches outwards , six inches inwards ; three inches large , and three inches thick . Now to make your Bricks , fill your mould with lute , and with a woodden knife even the superficies , and so knock out your Brick ; and when your mould grows dirty , rub the sides of it with sand ; dry your Bricks in the shade , so they will last longer ; for being thus half-dried , they will bake leasurely in the using of them , and not be apt to crumble and break , neither will they be so soon calcin'd , as if you had dried them by the fire or Sun , or in a Potters Oven .

Our Rounds or Salt-sellers derive their name from their figure , because they are somewhat like the old-fashioned Salt-sellers . To form them , take of our Lute a quantity as big as your fist , and rowling it between both hands , reduce it to the form of a Cylinder two inches high ; flat the lower end of it upon a Table , and then with your fingers sink in the upper part , till it be somewhat like a Salt-seller that is hollow , and of the breadth of an inch in diameter .

For the luting of your Vessels , the Lute that is employed ought to be softer than either for Bricks or Rounds , and therefore you 'll do well to wet it with some Water . It must not be laid on thicker than the thickness of a Half-Crown-piece ; for if it be , the fire will scarce be able to heat the Water contained in your Vessels . Observe that sometimes the Matrasses are luted up to the neck , sometimes half way . Retorts are luted in the same way too ; only there ought to be a little space left near the neck , that one may see thorow it into the Vessel in the time of the Operation : Your Vessel being luted , must be dried at leisure in the Sun or shade , or near a gentle fire ; taking care to turn them equally , so that they be not dried more in one place than in another .

Of the Chymical Furnaces .

OUr Furnaces are round and little : They are round , that they may unite and concentrate the heat of the fire ; they are little , that our Laboratory may not be incumber'd to no purpose , and also that we may give our Vessels a quicker and more equal fire , and that with less toil and less expence .

We have two sorts of Furnaces : the first are fixt , which are made of different lays of crooked Bricks , cemented strongly together with our Lute ; the others are moveable , and consist of crooked Bricks laid one upon another without any lute or cement , and in which you lay the fire , not under your Vessels as in the first sort of Furnaces , but circularly round about them .

The fixt and cemented Furnaces are five in number ; to wit , the Furnace with a heat of Bulneum maris , or of the vaporous Bath ; the Furnace with the heat of ashes or sand ; the Furnace with a naked fire and circular heat ; the Furnace with a naked fire and small Reverberation ; and the Furnace with the fire of great Reverberation . The moveable and not cemented Furnaces are likewise five in number ; viz. the Furnace with a small circulatory fire ; the Furnace with a great circulatory fire ; the Furnace with a fire of circulation and suppression without a gape ; the Furnace with a fire of circulation and suppression with a gape ; and the Furnace with a moulting fire , or the wind furnace : All these five Furnaces are with a naked fire .

The Furnace with the heat of Balneum maris , or the vaporous Bath , is necessary for the gentle distilling of all sorts of aery or sulphureous liquors in glass-bodies , placed in a Cauldron full of water ; and withal , it serves to evaporate and dry , by its gentle heating vapour , all extracts , and salts , in little earthen glaz'd dishes , which are set upon the Overtures made in the cover of the said Kettle or Cauldron ; so that the remedies thus dryed have no odour not taste of Empyreume or burning .

For the building of this Furnace , do thus : lay one Round of our Bricks of such a compass as may be proportionate to the greatness of the Kettle you intend for your Balneum , leaving an empty place before , four or five inches broad for the ashes-hole ; then lay another entire Round of Bricks , upon which place your Grate ; then upon this lay two Rounds more , leaving before an empty space for your fire-door , as you did for your ash-hole ; and then add four entire Rounds for your Laboratory , leaving in the upper most of them three little jams or gaps , each an inch wide to let in the air ; viz. one before , above the fire-door ; another behind , over against to this first ; and a third on the side , which shall be opposite to that where the Receiver is placed , lest if there were one on that side , the flame might sometimes break the Nose of the Limbeck .

Now for your Kettle or Cauldron , it must have a brim of an inch broad , whereby it may be scituated and equally suspended upon the brims of your Furnace , leaving betwixt it and the Furnace-sides an orbicular space of an inch , to give the fire play round about it , that so it may heat equally the matter contained within it .

In the Fabrick of this Furnace , as likewise in the structure of the four following , observe :

1. That you must not forget to put a sufficient quantity of Lute under , above , and betwixt your Bricks , that they may be strongly cemented together . 2. That you must not place your Bricks just one upon another ; if so , your Furnace will not be firm and stable , but by the operation of the fire will soon cleave asunder . Do therefore as expert Brick-layers , and interlace your Bricks one with another .

The Furnace with the fire , or heat , or sand , or ashes , is useful for the distillation , and rectification of all sorts of liquors drawn from Vegetals , Animals , or Minerals , in glass or earthen bodies , glazed with their glass heads , and also for all infusions , extinctions , tinctures , evaporations , &c. made in Cucurbits , Matrasses , dishes , pans of glass , or glazed earthen ware .

This is the hardest to be well built of all our Furnaces , and , for the building of it , do thus ; first make a sufficient quantity of Mortar , consisting of our Lute , Water , and Plaster of Paris in powder ; then with little Tiles make upon a floor , an Oval of one foot in length , and of eight inches in breadth ; cement your Tiles well together with this Mortar , which because of the Plaster will render your Furnace more firm and durable ; raise this first Oval Lay of Tiles to the heighth of two inches , leaving a space for your ash-hole ; then add one Lay of our Bricks , not filling up the space left for the ash-hole , because it must be almost as high as the space to be left for the fire-room ; upon this lay of Bricks , place your Iron-bars for a Grate in the same distance , as they are set in chafing-dishes , placing one little bar upon the ash-hole door , not forgetting to bestow good store of Mortar both above , under , and betwixt your Bricks and Bars : then upon so much of this Furnace as is already built , place small Tiles , cementing of them together in such an order , as may make this Furnace acquire a square figure outwardly , which will make it more solid and firm ; and by adding to it a considerable thickness , fit it for the conserving of an equal heat with a few Coals . Upon this first lay of Bricks , ( which have in the inside an oval figure though the Tiles hanging over on the outside form a square one ) place another Lay of Bricks , leaving a convenient space for the fire-room , which must be something higher than it is broad : but observe that in this Oval lay must be employed more Bricks than in the other , because your Furnace by little and little must acquire a greater circumference towards the top ; then build up with little Tiles and Mortar , your square outside to the heighth of your Bricks , so continuing as you build up your Furnace : upon the top of the fire-room lay a little Iron bar , then add another entire round of Bricks without any overture , only a little chinck in the backside of your Furnace over against the fire-room , of two fingers breadth to give the fire air ; and this Circle must be in circumference wider by two inches than the last ; smoothing with mortar the inside of this round ; that the fire may be carried more evenly upwards : this done , place on this last Round a square Iron plate all of a piece ; ( or of two pieces if you will , sawdering them well one upon another ) the place must not be thicker than a shilling , that so the fire may the easilier penetrate and give a moderate heat to the sand ; then with our Mortar raise on the inside a Square of an inch thick , to all the four sides of the Furnace , to make a place to put your sand in , or ashes if you will : ashes give not so great a heat as sand : whensoever you desire to moderate the heat of either , you may wet them with a little water .

The Furnace with a naked fire and circular heat , serves to distil Aqua vitae , spirit of Wine , Aromatick and Balsamick ossences , and also the waters of all Plants : in the Brass-vessel , called Vesica , with its Helm or Moors head , borded with a refrigeratory of the same metal , making use also of a long pipe of the same matter which passes through one or two great Hogs-heads full of water near the Furnace ; and which are in stead of a second and more powerful refrigeratory .

For the building of this Furnace , do thus .

First , take your Brass Vesica , set it upon the ground where you intend to erect your Furnace , then lay a Round of Bricks well cemented with our Lute , so that there be half a fingers breadth left betwixt your Vesica and the Bricks , and an Overture for the ash-hole ; then taking out your Vesica , add another Round of Bricks , leaving still room for the ash-hole ; which will be about half a foot high : upon these two lays place a Grate of divers little Iron-Bars ; then add an entire Round of Bricks , to which add two more but not entire , leaving a space empty for the fire-room perpendicularly over the ash-hole ; then add one circle of Bricks entire , without any Overture , upon which place two little Iron-Bars to uphold the bottom of your Vesica . And in this place is terminated the heighth of your fire-room , which is once again as high as your ash-hole . After this raise by Rounds your Furnace , till you have brought it as high as the neck of the Vesica ; which that you may the better do , place your Vesica upon its two Bars , and so it will serve for a measure , to the elevation your Furnace ought to have .

Observe , that this Furnace is not to have any chink on any side whatsoever ; but every where , and particularly in the Laboratory , there ought to be circularly half a fingers breadth left empty , that so the air compassing the Vessel , may draw the heat upwards in all the circumference of the Vesica . And this environing heat carries the Spirits from the bottom of the Vessel to its neck , from whence they are raised all together to the top of the cover or Moors head ; and if above you stop this empty circumference , your fire will be apt to go out , if it be not excessive great , which also would be inconvenient , because it would consume in vain great quantity of fewel .

The Furnace with a naked fire and small reverberatory serves to distil the Phlegm , the Spirit , and the foetide Oyl of Berries , Woods , Barks , and Roots , in an earthen , or glass Retort well luted , lest it should break in the fire . For the building of this Furnace , you must first consider of the bigness of the Retorts , you ordinarily intend to make use of ; and make the circuit of your Furnace so wide , as there may be a fingers breadth left betwixt it and your Retort . Lay then four or five Rounds of Bricks in the said proportion , leaving an empty space for your ash-hole and fire-room ; they being not to be separated in this Furnace by a Grate , because else the air coming in at the ash-hole , and meeting with the fire upon a Grate , would kindle it too violently , and so great a fire is not requisite for these substances to be distilled . Then add an entire Round of Bricks , upon which place two Iron bars , upon which you must put the cover of a Pipkin turned with its hollow part upwards , which must be filled with sand to receive the bottom of the Retort : then with divers Rounds of Brick raise your Furnace to the heighth of the Retort , or higher ; taking care to leave an overture , or open space , to pass the neck of the Retort ; which chink you must afterwards with our Lute repair under the neck of your Retort , to hinder the flame from passing that way , and endangering the breaking of the Vessels . Having fitted a Recipient to it , you must lute both their necks together , very close , to the end that nothing of the spirits exhale and scape that way in the distillation . Last of all , you must have an earthen Pan of the capacity of your Furnace , which may cover the top of it , and reverberate the rising flame upon the Retort ; and this Pan must be of glazed earth , else it would fly in pieces in the heat : besides , it must have a hole in the middle of its bottom , of the bigness of an Egg , and this to give the fire air , which else would be stifled , and go out .

The Furnace with a naked fire , and great Reverberatory , serves to distil the acid and corrosive spirits ; the acid , black and corrosive Oyls in a glass , or earthen luted Retort , or in an iron one . To build this Furnace , you must consider of the bigness of the Retorts you mean to employ , and do as above in the little Reverberatory-Furnace : then make an ash-hole covered with a Grate , and a fire-room covered with its two Iron bars ; and at last , a Laboratory of the elevation of the belly of your Retort , as has been said already ; only you must on the top of the Laboratory leave a chink on one side of the ash-hole , and fire-room , of two Bricks in heighth , to pass the neck of the Retort . Before you place your Retort upon the Iron-Bars , you must provide a little earthen cover with ashes , as has been said in the first Furnace of this kind . Then place your Retort , and fit to it a large Recipient , which must be also setled with great care upon a little Joint-stool , and under it must be either Paper , or Linen , or some soft thing , that it may rest gently and surely upon . Then with our Lute , fill up the space you left for the neck of the Retort , for the reason alledged in the precedent Furnace , luting also the conjunction of the Retort and its Receiver together : this being done , there remains to make a Reverberatory , which may reflect , and beat back the rising heat , upon the Retort : and to this effect , lay five Rounds of moveable Bricks , that is , without Mortar , or Lute ; only one upon another , in such a manner as your Rounds go always in diminishing ; so that in the first you employ half a Brick less than in the last cemented Round ; and in the second , a whole Brick less than in the first moveable Round ; and in the third you must employ two Bricks less than in the second , leaving a hole in this last Round , which you shall fill up with pieces of Iron , of such a bigness as shall not slip betwixt the space that is left between the Retort , and the Wall of the Furnace : The reason why I put Iron , rather than Bricks or Stone , or any other solid thing , is , because at the end of the Operation you 'll find an excellent Crocus astringens of Mars , red as Scarlet , and which will stick to the superficies of all your pieces of Iron .

The Furnace , with a little circulatory fire , or Ignis rotae parvus , serves to evaporate the dissolutions of Minerals , as also of Animals and Vegetals , by a gentle ready heat in a Matrass , either luted , or not luted . This Furnace is made of one only Round of our Bricks , close set together without any Lute or Mortar : you must place a Round or Salt-seller of Lute in the middle of this Furnace ; and upon this Salt-seller , filled with sand or ashes , place your Matrass straight , leaving a circumference of two inches between your Matrass , and the Furnace sides ; then put your Coal , ready kindled , into this space , approaching your fire nearer to the Furnace than to the Matrass .

The Furnace , with a great circulatory fire , serves to sublime all salts drawn from Metals and Minerals in a luted glass Matrass . This Furnace is made of two equal Rounds of our Bricks , so set together without Lute , that there is a little distance betwixt them , to the end that the Air , entering at these small Overtures , may serve to keep the fire alive : place your Salt-seller , and upon it your Matrass , then your Coals , as we have said in the precedent Furnace .

The Furnace , with a circulary fire , and of suppression without any chink ; is useful to calcine , and melt down all sorts of Minerals , as also those Animals and Vegetables that require Calcination , either in a Crucible , or a Pot of Earth unglazed : To build this Furnace , lay first upon the ground either a large Salt-seller of our Lute , or two Bricks , and upon them your Crucible or Pot ; then raise divers Rounds of our Bricks without Lute , till they come two or three fingers above your Pot , leaving in the first rank an interval of a fingers breadth betwixt the Bricks , but in the last row they must be joined very close together : leave also betwixt your Crucible , and the Furnace-sides , a space of two inches broad , which must be filled with Coals up to the top of the Furnace : and from thence this fire is called a fire of Suppression , because the Coals are not only under , but circularly above , and on the sides of the Vessel ; and besides , very often we cover the whole Pot with Coals .

The Furnace , with a fire of Suppression , with a chink , is for the distillation of Oyls , and Spirits , and Phlegms of all sorts of resinous Gums , and Wax , in a Glass Retort well luted ; it is made as the precedent , only there ought to be in the two last Rounds of Bricks , a chink , gap , or overture for the neck of your Retort to pass through , which must be set , and compassed with Coals , as has been said .

Observe , That in placing your Retort , either in this Furnace , or any of the small or great Reverberatories , there are three things to be taken notice of . 1. That the body of the Retort touch the Bricks of the side , that the Chink is in such a manner as the whole neck may hang out at the Chink , lest otherwise the fire should break it . 2. That the neck of your Retort hang downwards , that the liquor may the easilier run into the Recipient . 3. That the end of the neck of your Retort enter into the middle of your Recipient , for fear the vapours received should find some passage , even through their luted conjunction .

The Furnace , with a melting-fire , or the Wind-Furnace , to melt the hardest bodies ; as Gold , Glass , Stones , in a Crucible , or unglazed Earthen pot : and it is thus made .

Take two Loggs of Wood , or two great Stones , half a foot high ; a Barrel knock'd out at the lower end , and having in the other a hole as big as a mans head , then set this Barrel upon the Stones or Loggs , and having laid a Grate upon the uppermost hole , cover all this top with our Lute , and Plaster together ; and upon this erect a moveable Furnace , with the fire of suppression , with our Bricks , as it has been said before . The air coming in , with violence under the Barrel , does so blow and light the Coals , that it produces a heat incomparably greater than any other .

Of the Chymical Vessels .

THe Kettle , or Cauldron , serving for the Balneum Maris , or Vaporous Bath . This Kettle is of the same matter and form as ordinary Kettles are , that is , Brass : it must have no Bail , but round about it a brim of an inch broad , by which it is to be suspended , upon the brim of the Furnace ; this Kettles cover must exactly fit it , and have five round holes ; whereof the middlemost must be the biggest , and capable of the bottom of a Glass-Cucurbit , or Body , with its head : the four other are less , and for little dishes of Earth , or Glass , in which Extracts , and Salts are to be dried .

The Vesica , or Copper-body , cover'd with its Moors-head , and bordered with its Refrigeratory , serving to distil Aqua vitae , Aromatick and Balsamick Essences , Waters , and Spirits of Plants .

This Vesica ought to be of Copper ; not tinn'd within , and somewhat round bottom'd : it ought not to be thicker than a shilling , of one foot and a half high , and one foot broad in diameter : in its top it must be a little Convex , not in form of a Pear , as they ordinarily make them ; and this , that it may repercute the phlegm of Aqua vitae , and the Essences . From the middle of this top , rises a neck four inches high , and three in diameter below , but four inches above ; whose use is , to make the Cover of the Vesica enter easily , and stick faster , and so you see that this Vessel is not unlike a Hogs-bladder ; on one side of the top , rises a little pipe two inches high , and half a finger wide , by which , with a Tin-tunnel you put in again the first Spirits of Wine that come a little muddy , because they have carried along with them the smoot adhering to the conducts of the Alembick : its Cover is of Brass , and consists of a neck half a foot deep , three inches large at the top and bottom , but four inches in the middle , because within it must be five or six Spunges , so fastned with cross-sticks under and over them , as to be kept from falling down into the Vesica , and from rising up into the head : their use is , to draw to themselves the aetherial Spirit of the Aqua vitae , or Brandy , and to hinder the phlegm ( which in the middle of the Operation rises with the Spirits ) from passing any farther : for , the Spirit being thin and aery , easily makes way , where the gross phlegm cannot ; which therefore falls down again into the Vesica : This neck is terminated in a round Ball , not unlike a humane skull , and is therefore called the Moors-head , from whose middle is derived a Pipe a foot long , and in diameter an inch wide , which goes through a Cauldron or Kettle , sawder'd round about the Moors-head , and which must be of such a proportion , as to contain a pale of water , which is poured in the Operation , cold , to the end that the Vapours that are in the Moors-head may be soon condensed , and dissolved into liquor . This Cauldron is therefore called a Refrigeratory : on one side of the brim there is a little cock , wherewith to empty the water if it grow too hot , and when the Operation is ended . The little moveable neck , by which the Pipe coming from the Moors-head , must be join'd with the long Pipe that goeth through the Hogs-heads , ought to be half a foot long : the long Pipe which passes through the Hogs-heads , must be of Brass , and six foot long , one inch wide in diameter ; by little and little diminishing , as it comes nearer the end : This Pipe goes through two Hogs-heads , situated close by one another , by four holes , so made , that the Pipe entring almost at the top of the nearest , runneth down a-slope , to come out at the last hoop of the furthermost ; afterwards the circumference of these holes must be strongly luted ; then fill with water your Hogs-heads , which will be another strong Refrigeratory , and by condensing the Spirits and Vapours in their way , make a copious distillation in a small time .

The open Limbick is made of two different pieces , viz. of a Body or Cucurbit , and its Head . The Body may be of Glass , Stone , or Earthen glaz'd ware , or of Brass : it is always higher than it is broad ; broader in its middle than in its bottom , and broader at the bottom than at the top , and round in all its breadth , by which description you see that it is not unlike a Gourd . The head may be of the same matter as the body , and sometimes of Lead ; the top of it rises in form of a point , the bottom is broad and proportioned to the body . In its lower part , it hath a brim inwards , on which the Vapours that rise in it fall , and gently distil to the Nose of the Pipe , which is of half a foot long , and conveys the liquors into the Receiver .

These two Vessels , fitted one to another , serve to distil , and rectifie in a sand-fire , per assensum , the waters of Plants , Aqua vitae , Spirit of Wine , the phlegm Oyl , and Spirit of Vegetables and Animals , and to rectifie the Phlegm and Spirit of Minerals . Before you put your Cucurbit into the sand , you must lute two or three slices of white Paper upon the neck of your body , that so you may even it , and make it fit for the head , which must fit close : upon these slices of Paper round about the Glass-body , tye a pack-thread with a loose knot ; then with more Paper lute together the head , and its body over this pack-thread : the use of which , will be to undo easily these Vessels , one from another , by drawing the pack-thread , and so breaking the Papers , when the Operation shall be ended .

If you expect not a considerable quantity of liquor from your matter , then make use of a small Receiver , which you may hang to the Nose of the Limbick , by a pack-thread fastned to the little button that is on the top of its head ; but , if it be big , and you hope for much liquor , then place it carefully upon a little Stool , or upon Bricks laid one upon another .

Blind Limbicks are made of a Cucurbit , and its head , sealed hermetically to it , of the bigness of ones fist : in the top of the head there is a little hole , fit to receive the small end of a Tunnel , by which the Liquors are poured into this Vessel , and in the lower part of the head , there is a nose by which the Liquors distil . It s use is , to rectifie the acid Spirits of Minerals , Vegetables and Animals , so that nothing be lost , nor exhale from them ; and therefore you must carefully stop the hole , by which you put in your matter , with a Glass or Cork-stopple .

Twins or Pelicans are two blind Limbicks , whose noses are reciprocally inserted into the Bodies of one another : they must both have a hole in the top , for the use mentioned in the other : they serve to fix and circulate the Oyls , and Spirits , with their Salts , of Animals , Vegetables and Minerals .

The Retort is a glass made up of a great belly , or ball , and a long bending neck , which near the belly is six or eight inches wide , but diminishing , still grows less , till its end be but wide enough to put your finger in ; it serves to distil by the side of the Furnace , and ordinarily in a naked circulatory fire , the black Oyls , and Spirits of Minerals and Metals , and the stinking Oyls of Vegetables and Animals .

The Iron or Earthen Retort , is like the Glass-one ; only the neck is three inches diameter , near the belly , and two inches in its extremity ; to the end , that gross and heavy ingredients may the easilier be put in : it serves to distil the Spirit , and stinking Oyls of Woods , Barks , Roots and Berries .

The Matrass or Bolt-head is always of Glass , and may be of different sizes : it consists of a round bowl , convex in its bottom , with a neck half a foot long , or thereabouts , according to the bigness of the body ; the neck is every where an inch wide : it serves to sublime Mercury , and divers Salts .

The Recipient is a Matrass of any bigness , whose neck must be broken off four fingers breadth , near the belly ; to the end that the extremity of the neck of the Retort may enter into the middle of the body of the Receiver : it serves to receive Waters , Essences , Oyls and Spirits of Animals , Vegetables , Minerals and Metals .

The way to make a Recipient of a Matrass , is this : Heat the neck in that part where you intend to cut it off , and when it is very hot , wet it , and so knock it with a hammer , and it will break there where it has been wet ; if it be not very even , you may with a key even it by little and little .

The Stone , or Earthen Receiver , is of the same figure with the Glass one , only it has a wider neck to receive the Nose of the Earthen Retort ; you may use an Earthen Pitcher , if you cannot get a fit Receiver , so the neck of the Pitcher be straight , and the belly big and wide , taking care to lute it close with the Retort : but these Earthen Receivers are seldom used , except it be to receive the Spirits , and stinking Oyls of Wood , Rinds , Roots , Barks and Berries .

The double Vessel in form of a Matrass , is a Matrass with a long neck , into which is inserted the neck of another Matrass of the same bulk ; in the ball , though its neck be a little less , and may , if you will , also be shorter , and go but half way into the first Matrass ; you must lute with three or four slices of Paper the Junction of these two Vessels , that nothing may exhale : it serves to extract by Infusion in a Sand-heat , all sorts of Tinctures .

The double Vessel , in form of a Cucurbit or Body , is a Cucurbite of Glass , or Earth , upon whose mouth you place a Cup like your Cupping-Glasses , with the mouth downwards ; it having a little brim , by which it is suspended upon the top of the Cucurbite : these two Vessels must be close luted together . The best Lute will be of Flower , or Starch , in form of a hasty Pudding . This Vessel serves to extract by infusion the tincture of Aromatick Flowers , that so nothing may be lost of their Spirit , and is fitter than the Pitcher ordinarily used to this purpose .

The Bell is a great Glass-Vessel , like the Bell Gardiners use to cover Melons withal . The use of this is , to draw the Spirit and Oyl of Sulphur , of Salt Armoniack , of Antimony , and Mars , or Iron , by covering with it an Earthen Pan ; and if you turn it with the mouth upwards , it serves for precipitations , and washings or lotions .

The Glass-Tunnel , though it be open at both ends , yet we reckon it among the Vessels ; as well , because sometimes by stopping the little end , it is really one , and contains Liquors , as because there is something worth observation in its Fabrick or making ; it must have a straight long neck : because being used in the blind Alimbeck , it must reach as far as within the Body , and not spill upon the inward brim of it ; it must not have so large a belly as the Tin-Tunnels , lest when you separate your distilled Oyl from their Phlegm and Spirit , much of the Oyls be lost by sticking to the large sides of your Tunnel . It serves to separate the Oyl from the acid Phlegm distilled with it , which is done by letting these two Liquors settle in the Tunnel , and then taking away your finger which stopped it , and giving leave to that Liquor which is lowermost to run out ; which done , stop again the neck of your Tunnel , and let the remainder of your Liquor run into another Vial. It may be lined with a cornet of brown Paper , through which are filtrated Lixiviums , Washings , and divers other things , and may also stand you in stead of a Tin-Tunnel .

The Crucible is a pot ; of which there are of different sizes . It is made of the same earth as white ware ; it is round without a handle very narrow at the bottom , and wider and wider towards the top : it has a little Sinus or Cavity , by which the thing melted is poured out : it serves to calcine and melt Minerals and Metals , especially in a small quantity .

The Camion , is a Pot like an ordinary Chamber-pot with a handle to it . It is made of Potters Earth , and Sand ; and therefore it holds out strongly in the fire , which your Pots made of ordinary Earth do not , but fly . There are two sorts of these Pots , some are glazed , or leaded , and these serve to evaporate and dry ; some are unglazed , and they serve to melt and calcine Minerals , and Metals , and every thing that needs such preparation , especially if you have a great quantity to prepare , these Camions being bigger than Crucibles .

A Pan is an Earthen Vessel straight-bottom'd , and flat and wide-mouth'd . There are two sorts : Glazed , that serves to evaporate in a naked fire Extracts , Syrups , Pills , Plasters , &c. and Unglazed ones , which serve to evaporate in a Bath , or Sand heat , Salts , Crystals , &c. and to wash salt Remedies .

In some of our Operations , we make use of Utensils of the Kitching ; as Frying-Pans , to make the Oyl of Eggs ; Kettles , and Brass Basins , to congeal the Crystal Mineral , and make our Cauteriums .

Of the Chymical Fire .

IN the governing of the Chymical fire , there are four things to be considered ; viz. 1. The materials of your fire ; 2. The interposition of your fire ; 3. The disposition of your fire ; and , 4. The ordering , governing , or regimen of your degrees of fire .

The Materials are of five sorts ; whereof two are common , and the other three extraordinary , viz. Coal , Wood , a Lamp , the Beams of the Sun , helped by a Burning-glass , and Horse-dung .

Your Coals must have two conditions to be good ; they must be of good Wood , and of any Wood rather than of Oak , because all Oak-Coals flyes , and may break your Glasses . 2. They must be very dry , that they may make a quick live-fire , and spare you the labour of blowing ; the best Coal is that which is of a middle size , round , and of a Beech-Tree : the Wood must have the same qualities , for the same reasons .

The Lamp is a Tin-Box full of Oyl , in which swim three or four wicks , or links : this is set in the Lamp-Furnace ; which serves to digest or distil , with a long and moderate heat , without any obligation of being present at the operation . Because a Lamp-fire is very seldom used , we have not in the description of Furnaces made any mention of a Lamp-Furnace , neither will we here say any more of its figure , and proportions , nor of the Oyl that is to be used ; being resolved to set down all these things more particularly in some of our Operations .

The Sun-Beams serve to extract Tinctures ; to make long digestions , to Calcine some Minerals , especially when the said Beams are gathered by a Burning-glass : which way we shall also describe at length in some of our Operations .

The Horse-dung is used by putting into it Vessels sealed up hermetically , or close stopped , there to ferment and circulate . We shall also describe this way in some of our Operations .

The Interposition of the Chymical fire , is of four sorts . 1. When between the Vessel and the Fire , there is nothing but two Iron-Bars , or a little Round to set the Vessel on , and this is called working by a naked fire . 2. When between the fire and the Vessel , there is an Iron-plate , or Brass Kettle , or an Earthen Pan , full of ashes or sand , into which the Vessel is sunk more or less ; and this is called , Working with a Sand-fire , or of Ashes . 3. When between the fire and the Vessel , there is a Kettle full of Water , into which your Vessel is set up to the neck ; and this is called , working by a Balneum Maris , or Mariae , that is , a Sea-Bath , or Maries Bath . 4. Is when between the fire and the Vessel , there is a Kettle full of Water , which Kettle is covered , and its Cover has five holes in it , upon which are placed as many Vessels to receive the Vapour of the Bath ; and this is called Working by a Vaporous Bath .

The disposition of the Chymical fire is of four sorts : 1. Where the fire is placed only under the Vessels , as is done in the five Furnaces following , viz. of the great and small Reverberatory of the circulary fire , of the sand fire , of the Balneum Maris , and Vaporous Bath ; and observe , that though in the two first Furnaces the heat is by Reverberation as strong above as below the Vessels , yet the fire is only under them . 2. Where the Coals are laid only round about the Vessel upon the ground ; and this is called Ignis rotae , or a circulary fire . 3. Where the Coals are not only laid round about the Vessel , but are heaped up to the top of it , and that is called a fire of half-suppression ; but , if you cover even the top of your Vessel with Coals , then 't is a fire of whole-suppression . 4. Where the fire is altogether above the Vessel , which is also a fire of suppression ; and is used in distillations per descensum , for which Operation we make use of a great Earthen glazed Tunnel , of a little Iron Plate full of holes , and of a Kettle full of fire : which way of operating , we will teach more distinctly in some of our Processes .

The Regimen or Degree of the Chymical fire , is also of four sorts : 1. When you give and continue a small fire , all along the Operation , as is practised in the first sublimation of dulcified Mercury . 2. When you give a moderate heat either at first , for fear of breaking your glasses , or by little and little , when there is the like danger ; and then maintain this heat in such an equality as to augment and diminish it when it passes the limits of moderation , as it is practised in the distillation of the Spirit of Wine ; and in a sand-fire , where you stop your ash-hole door , and almost all your fire-room door ; as also the hindmost Register , that so you may keep your Coals in that heat that they are in . 3. When you augment the heat by degrees , till you come to the last and greatest you can procure , and that soon after , that your operation ceases as it is practised in the distillation of the Oyl of Bricks . And observe here , that all the activity of the fire is divided into four degrees ; a little fire is the first degree ; a moderate is the second degree ; a great fire is the third ; and a very great and intense one is the fourth . 4. When you have augmented the fire by degrees , and are come to the last , which you maintain the space of some hours , as it is done in the distillation of the black Oyl of Vitriol , or Colcothar .

The Spirit of Salt .

TAke a quantity of Potters-Earth , cut it into slices of the length , breadth and thickness of a finger , and set them in order upon a Grid-iron ; which you shall set upon red Coals in a hot Oven after the bread is drawn : when they are dry on one side , turn them on the other ; then take them out , and powder them in a Mortar : and keep this Earth , thus dried and powdered , as well for this Operation , as for divers others .

Mingle five parts of this Earth , thus prepared , with one part of common Salt , beaten to powder , but not decrepitated ; with this matter fill a Glass-Retort , of an ordinary size , which must be luted up to half the neck ; set it in a close Reverberatory , and fit it to a large and capacious Glass-Receiver . Give your fire by degrees , coming as soon as you can to the last degree , which continue twenty four hours , or till your Recipient seem cold , though the Retort be violently hot ; from whence you may infer , that your matter hath sent out all its Spirits : out of one pound of Salt by this method , you 'll draw nine or ten ounces of Spirits .

Observe , 1. This Earth is given to the Salt as an intermedium to hinder its fusion : for Salt melts in a great fire , and being once melted , becomes so fix , as there is no raising of its Spirits to distil them .

Observe , 2. That we rather make use of a Glass , than of an Earthen Retort ; because , the Spirits of Salt being very acid , and something corrosive , might so penetrate the Earth of the Retort , as to lose something of their virtue , and dull their activity ; therefore you must also keep your Spirit of Salt in Glass , not in Earthen Vessels .

Observe , 3. That the Salt must not be decrepitated , that is , separated from its Phlegm , nor the Clay absolutely dried , or heat red in the fire : for it is necessary , that there should remain some watrish humidity in both : to the end , that this phlegm coming , first in distillation , may help the acid Spirits , and be as a Vehicle to them ; otherwise , were your fire never so violent , if there were no Phlegm , you would never obtain any acid Spirits .

Observe , 4. That your Retort must be filled up to the neck , because the Spirits , in their first rising and separating themselves from their grosser parts , would , if there were any Vacuum , presently re-impregnate themselves , and be so fix'd , as that no power of fire would be able to raise them again , and make them Volatil : whereas the Vapours raised , meeting with no empty room in the Retort , are not able to condense there , but by the fire are forced into the Recipient ; into which they enter in form of a white Vapour , which by little and little cools , and condenses , and at last dissolves into a Liquor white and clear as water .

Observe , 5. That that Phlegm which first comes is little in quantity ; and if you will have your Spirit strong and pure , you may deflegmate and rectifie it in a sand-heat .

It s vertue and use is , It resists all corruption taken interiourly , and outwardly applied ; and for this reason in venomous and malign Feavers , we mingle three or four drops of it with a Cordial Julip : and for a preservation against the Plague , we put a spoonful of it into a quart of Oxycrate , and so rub the body all over before a good fire : It whitens the Teeth admirably , being mingled with a little Water , or some syrup ; it 's a powerful diuretick against suppressions of Urine , caused by the oppilation of the conducts thorow which it should pass : it drives the Gravel out of the Kidneys and Bladder ; and so is specifick to break the Stone of the Kidneys and Bladder ; that if you put a Stone cut out of a humane Bladder , into a quantity of Spirit of Salt , it will dissolve immediately without fire , or any addition of any thing , though it were never so hard ; it is used to dissolve Gold , and make it Potable : if you do whet its Vertue , by putting to it a little Salt decrepitated before you put your Gold in it ; alone it dissolves Pearls and Coral .

The marks whereby you may know and distinguish this Spirit from others , are these ; 1. That it is clear and white , drawing to a citrine , transparent colour . 2. Being newly made , it is Vaporous , and seizes the nose presently , but without stink ; and being old , it has no odour at all . 3. That upon your tongue it is of an acid biting faltish taste . 4. It neither corrodes , nor tinges of any colour its cork-stopple .

Spirit of Niter .

MIngle one part of fine and well purified Niter , with four or five parts of Potters Earth prepared , as in the Chapter of Spirit of Salt ; fill with this , a Glass-Retort well luted up to its neck ; place it in a close Reverberatory Furnace , fitting to it a large and capacious Recipient ; give your fire by degrees , till you come to the highest , which continue twenty four hours . The Phlegm will come first , and in small quantity , and also with a little Spirit , which will appear in the Recipient in form of a White Vapour ; a little after the pure Spirit will come , appearing in form of red Vapours , which will make your Recipient bright , and red as a Ruby . Out of one pound of Niter thus distilled , you may have four ounces of Spirit .

Obs. 1. That you must be very exact in luting your Retort close with your Recipient ; lest many of your Vapours should exhale : and however , the Artist must have a care of coming too near at that time ; lest the Sulphureous , and Malign Vapours of the Niter ( which our Authors call the flying Dragon ) should offend his Brain , and Nerves , and make him Paralytick , by the fusion and resolution of the humours of the Brain , which at that time borrowing from the subtle Nitrous Vapours an extraordinary thinness and penetration , would easily insinuate themselves into the nerves , and by their abundance , cause a total Obstruction .

Obs. 2. That we give the Potters Earth to Niter , as we do to Salt , to hinder its fusion : now Niter is very easily melted , because it is the Body which helps other Bodies to be so too ; by reason of its great thinness , the abundance of its Sulphureous substance , and its penetration ; but when once it has been melted , it becomes so fix , that , having lost all its Sulphur , it can neither evaporate , nor be inflamed , though you put it into the fire : Then therefore it is called Salt of Niter , being fix as Salts ; whereas before its fusion , it was so strangely Volatil , that when you did but put a Coal into it , it presently was in such a flame , that it was almost quite consumed .

Obs. 3. That for this Operation we make use of very fine purified Niter ; because the purer it is , the less it hath of fixed Salt in it , and therefore yields more Spirits ; you may learn in the Chapter of Crystal-Mineral , how Niter is purified , and that in its purifying , it is devested of its fixt Salt .

Obs. 4. and 5. That the Retort must be of Glass , and filled up to the neck , for the reasons alledged in the precedent Operation .

Obs. 6. That the Phlegm which comes first in the distillation , is in a very small quantity , and cannot be separated from the Spirit by rectification ; because this Spirit is so Volatil , that it comes of a sudden conjointly with the Phlegm , and so the rectification would be unnecessary ; the Phlegm being in so small a proportion to the Spirit , as not to be able to make the last lose any thing of its activity and energy .

Its Vertues and use : This Spirit is Corrosive , not only applyed to Warts , rotten Flesh , and the Gangreen , but it corrodes and dissolves Mercury , and the other Metals ; it is often to be preferr'd to Aqua fortis , for these two uses ; or it is not so burning in its action upon the flesh , as Aqua fortis ; and it is much fitter for the dissolutions which are made by it of Mercury , and other Metals and Minerals , in order to the preparing of some remedy to be taken inwardly , as well because pure Niter is an acid aperitive , and pure Vitriol is an acid vometive ; as because Niter , being a Sulphureous Salt , drawn from temperate Animals , and Vitriol , a terrestrious Salt drawn from Minerals , by their union in the composition of Aqua fortis , is produced a malignous quality . Nay , it is fitter than Aqua fortis , for the dissolution of Minerals in order to make Fucuses for the face , because the Spirit of Niter , applyed to the skin , leaves but a little yellow spot , which may be easily taken away ; whereas Aqua fortis leaves a deep orange-spot , so sticking , and adhering , that it can never be taken out , but with the loss of the skin ; from whence we may infer , that a Fucus prepared with Aqua fortis , should rather black than whiten the skin .

The marks to distinguish this Spirit , are these : 1. That it is of the same colour and transparency as the Spirit of Salt . 2. That it is very vaporous and stinking , coming near the stinking smell of Aqua fortis . 3. It is too corrosive and biting , to be tasted upon the Tongue ; but , to try its goodness , pour out some drops upon a Brass half-peny , and , if it be right , it will presently boil , and makes the half-peny stir , it produces a blew colour in the said half-peny . 4. It corrodes , and makes its Linen-stopple look yellow , as Aqua fortis uses to do ; sometimes the Spirits of Vitriol and Sulphur are sophisticated by putting a little Spirit of Niter , or a little Aqua fortis into common Water , till there result an acid taste , which is not caustick : but you shall perceive this cheat , if having rubbed a Paper with the Spirits of Vitriol and Sulphur in one place , and the Spirit of Niter and common Water in another place , you present the said Paper to the fire ; for then the place rubb'd with the Spirits of Vitriol and Sulphur , will grow black and break ; and the place rubb'd with Spirit of Niter in common Water , will only grow yellow , and not break .

The Spirit and black Oyl of Vitriol .

TAke an Earthen-pot unglazed , of the Earth they make Crucibles of , fill it up to the brim with good green Vitriol ; set this pot upon a Salt-seller in a great Circulatory fire : in two hours time , or there abouts , your Vitriol having first dissolved into a Liquor , will be dryed , deflegmated , and at last coagulated into a grayish lump ; then take out your pot , let it cool , and , when cold , put your matter into a Brass or Iron Mortar , and powder it .

Take a Glass Retort , well luted up to half the neck ; fill it with the said Vitriol , and place it according to Art , in a great Reverberatory fire , fitting to it a great Receiver . Give your fire by degrees , coming as soon as you can to the last , which continue till you perceive , in the top and sides of your Receiver , a kind of black Veins that trickle down to the bottom ; these are the black Oyl which begins to distil . Then unlute your Receiver from its Retort , and separate by inclination , the acid Spirit of Vitriol , which hitherto has been distilled , and which is of a white and transparent colour like Water , and which entered your Receiver in the form of a white Vapour .

By this time your Vitriol will be calcin'd into a red colour , and brought to be a Colcothar , which yet retains its black Oyl . Which to extract , you must again fit the Receiver to its Retort without lute ; for else , the neck of the Retort being exceeding hot , would presently break by the approach of the cold , and moist Lute ; continue then your fire , and give it in the highest degree , for the space of six , or eight hours , till your Receiver be cold , though the fire be vehement under the Retort , by that you 'll perceive that the contain'd matter has yielded all its black and thick Oyl . Let your fire go out : then take out your Retort , which by the long violence of the fire will seem somewhat sunk and straitned , and in it will remain a Colcothar , devested of its phlegm , its Spirit , and its black Oyl ; but yet containing the fixed Salt of Vitriol , and therefore is not so sharp and acrimonious as the first Colcothar . 'T is out of this second Colcothar , that you may extract the Caput mortuum of Vitriol , by making a Lexivium of the said Colcothar , to extract it s fixed Salt . Out of one pound of green Vitriol , you 'll have nine or ten ounces of Spirit , with its Phlegm , and half an ounce of black Oyl . The acid Spirit of Vitriol contains much Phlegm , which came first with it ; therefore if you desire to have a purified Spirit , you must evaporate the Phlegm by putting this Spirit Inflegmated into a Matrass not luted , which set upon a Salt-seller in a small Circulatory fire , till the whole substance be half diminished , and begin to look a little yellowish ; if you continue this Evaporation any longer , your Spirit will become blackish , drawing near the colour and acidity of your Oyl of Colcothar .

If reciprocally with the said black Oyl of Colcothar , you desire to make a white acid Spirit , do but mingle in a Matrass one dragm of the said Oyl with an ounce of common water ; then you shall see that the said Oyl will presently go to the bottom ; and will so heat the neck of the Matrass , that you will scarce be able to hold it in your hand . Mingle them well by agitation , till the water grow blackish , then through Paper filtrate the said liquor , and there will come a clear acid Spirit , as yellow as Gold , which will have the same force and virtue as the common Spirit of Vitriol ; the Paper retaining the black and thick faeces . From whence we may conclude , that this clear Liquor , which we call Spirit of Vitriol , is nothing but a small portion of the true Spirit mingled with a great deal of Phlegm , and that this black Liquor which we call Oyl , is indeed a pure Spirit of Vitriol , entirely dephlegmated , but because of its Sulphureous blackness and thickness , it is improperly called Oyl , being somewhat unctuous to the feeling , though it be not at all inflameable , as all true Oyls are .

Obs. 1. That you must dephlegmate the Vitriol , and powder it well before you put it into your Retort ; else you would not draw off the Spirit , but the Phlegm alone : for , the matter would coagulate in the bottom of the Vessel into a lump , which sticking close to the sides of the Retort , would so retain all the Spirits , that a strong fire of forty hours lasting , would scarce be able to reduce this mass to powder : therefore it is better to dephlegmate and reduce to powder your Vitriol , before it be put into the Retort .

Obs. 2. That we give no Intermedium to Vitriol , as we do to Salt and Niter ; because , being a terrestrious Salt , it cannot be melted , and by consequent , cannot fix and retain its Spirits within its self : so that , provided it be dephlegmated , the Spirits are easily raised , and distilled by the violence of the fire .

Obs. 3. That you need not fill your Retort up to the neck with your matter , because the Spirit of Vitriol , having not so much tenuity as the Spirits of Salt and Niter , is not in danger of re-impregnating and fixing its self in its own masse .

Obs. 4. That the Retort must be of Glass , for the reason alledged in the Spirit of Salt .

Obs. 5. That you chuse good Vitriol , not too dry ; for it will yield more Spirit and Oyl : therefore that which comes from Germany and the Low Countries , is better than the Roman Vitriol for this effect .

It s virtue and effects : Both the white Spirit , and the black Oyls , are Acids , which pleasantly and excellently do cool , desopilate , and resist all corruption : and therefore they are frequently , and with good success , made use of for the Liver and Kidneys , in burning and Pestilentious Feavers . The dose is five or six drops of the Spirit , two or three of the Oyl , either in Water , Broth , or White Wine : It serves for the dissolution of Metals ; and in Surgery it is used , either pure , or mingled with a little water or Mel rosatum , to touch the ulcers of the mouth .

The first and second Colcothar are both an excellent Astringent , given in violent Diarrhoea's , Dysenteries , and Hepatick Fluxes : or , mingled with some unguents , it stops bleeding Wounds .

The Marks to distinguish the Oyl of Vitriol from other , are these : 1. It is very black : 2. It is not only acid , but caustick : 3. It is very heavy : 4. It seizes the nose , with a strong Vapour , when new made ; and in all these four conditions , it is like the Oyl of Sulphur .

As for the Spirit , it is known by its pleasant acidity , by its yellowish colour : and because , being old , it yields no smell , no more than Spirit of Sulphur , neither doth it corrode , or make its stopple yellow ; the Spirits of Niter and Aqua fortis , are distinguished from it by their smell ; and because they corrode , and change the colour of their stopples : Spirit of Salt is known from it , because it has a brackish taste , and smells strong when new , being much more intolerable and unpleasant than Spirit of Vitriol .

Aqua Fortis .

TAke a Glass-Retort luted up to half its neck , put in it equal parts of common Niter , and green Vitriol , not dephlegmated , but they must be beaten to powder in an Iron Mortar before : fill but two thirds of your Retort , leaving a third empty , for else the Vitriol being melted by the Niter , would , it may be , rise , and run in substance into the Recipient , before the distillation of the Aqua fortis could be begun .

Set your Retort in a little Reverberatory , or in a little Circulatory fire , ( a great Reverberatory being not so necessary here , because the Niter is of it self so volatil ; and having melted the Vitriol , it makes it likewise capable of yielding its Spirits without a very violent degree of heat . ) Give your fire by degrees ; continuing the first degree , till the phlegm , which will appear in a white vapour in the Recipient , be distilled ; otherwise , if at first you did give a great heat , the Niter and Vitriol together would boil over your Vessel , and in their own substance run into the Recipient : When your Recipient begins to fill with red Vapours , ( which is the sign of the Spirit 's coming forth ) augment your fire , and cover your Retort with Coals ; if it be in a Circulatory fire , continue this heat till your Recipient begin to lose something of the brightness of its red colour , and till it become cold , though the fire be vehement under the Retort : then the matter has sent forth all its Spirits , and you shall find these red Vapours dissolved all into a white clear Liquor , as water : Out of one pound of common Niter , and as much of green Vitriol undephlegmated , you may have sixteen ounces of Aqua fortis .

Obs. 1. That though the Spirit of Vitriol cannot be drawn from Vitriol undephlegmated , yet Aqua fortis may ; because being in company with the Niter , it cannot , after the distillation of its Phlegm , coagulate in a lump , which might fix and retain its Spirits ; the Niter , by its opening Sulphur , keeping the Vitriol porous and vaporous .

Obs. 2. That Aqua fortis may be very well made with dephlegmated Vitriol , and fine Niter ; and then it is so strong and corrosive , that it is Aqua regalis , and can dissolve Gold and Silver : but because we do not ordinarily need in Chymistry so strong a dissolvent , for the frequent dissolutions we make of Mercury , of Tin , of Bismuth , and of Silver ; we are content with Aqua fortis prepared as has been taught .

It s virtue and use : This is a very caustick burning water ; some do touch Warts and Corns with it : but it is dangerous so to do , and our Chymistry will afford us gentler and fitter remedies , which I shall set down hereafter . It serves to dissolve your Metals and Minerals : the Dyers use it , to give a strength and penetration to their Colours .

The Marks to distinguish it , are , 1. It is yellowish . 2. Stinks very much . 3. It yellows and corrodes its stopple , and the bladder and pack-thread that are employed about the stopping of it . 4. If you pour a drop or two of it upon a Brass-half-peny , it makes it stir , and look green .

The Spirit and black Oyl of Sulphur .

TAke a great Stone , or unglazed Earthen Pan , put it into a pound of common water ; in the middle of this Pan , set a little Stone-pot , and upon this Pot , place a little flat Earthen Cup full of sand : in the mean time , reduce into powder four pound of Brimstone , and of this put one spoonful into the middle of the sand , then take a great Coach-wheel Nail , and heat it red hot , and with a pair of Tongs put the head of it into this Brimstone which is in the sand , presently the Brimstone will be in a flame : therefore have ready a Glass-Bell well proportioned to the bigness of your Pan , and with it cover your Pan , as soon as the Brimstone begins to take fire ; and that you may lose nothing of the Vapour , stop with Linen the junction of the Bell and Pan ; from this inflamed Sulphur will rise an abundance of white Vapours , which will be converted , part of them into acid Spirits , which being received in the Pan , impregnate the Water ; and part of them into yellow Flowers of Sulphur , which will be found sticking to the sides of the Bell and Pan , and will form a little skin upon the superflicies of the Water . After a quarter of an hour , the Vapours being ceased , and condensed into Spirits and Flowers ; break that skin , that the Water may be at liberty to re-impregnate it self with new Spirits , at a second flagration ; then put another spoonful of Sulphur , inflame it , cover it , and in a word , do as before , continuing this till all your Brimstone be spent . When you have done , there remains a muddy acid Water , into which put all those Flowers of Brimstone , which you find sticking to the sides of your Pan , or Bell , as likewise those that swim upon the Water ; put them all together into a Matrass of an ordinary size not luted , which set upon a Salt-seller in the little Circulatory fire ; the Phlegm will be evaporated , the Flowers will dissolve into the Spirit , and the Spirit will wax black ; then with a wet clout take out your Retort , and pour out your Liquor thus hot , into a white Earthen Bason . The Spirit being cool , you 'll find in the bottom the Flowers congealed into a bright yellow lump . By this method in one day , out of four pound of Sulphur you may draw half an ounce of black Oyl ; and if you put an ounce of Water upon one dram of this Oyl , mingling them well in a Matrass , and then filtring them through a course Paper , you may have that which is called the Spirit , or Acid of Brimstone , of a yellow bright transparent colour like Gold . Or , by another way , do but evaporate the two thirds of your pound of Water , impregnated with the Spirit of Brimstone , and there will remain four ounces of a yellow inflegmated Spirit .

Obs. 1. That we put sand into the little Earthen Cup , lest the Brimstone , inflamed , should break it ; which it would do , were it empty .

Obs. 2. That , Water is put into the Pan , that the Spirits may be the better gathered , without which they would be apt to be consumed to no purpose , in the superficies and substance of the said Earthen Pan.

Obs. 3. That the Matrass in which the Evaporation is performed , must be short-neck'd , that the phlegm may the easilier evaporate ; therefore let it be two inches high .

Obs. 4. That we pour the said Spirit hot into a white Basin , and not into a glazed one , lest it should corrode the Lead of the Vernish , and so be weakned , and loaden with a blackness , which no filtration would be able to take away : and the reason why we pour out the Liquor hot , is , because if we did let it cool , the Brimstone would congeal into such a lump , as could never be come by , without breaking the Matrass .

Obs. 5. That , if by this method there is but little Spirit drawn from such a quantity of Sulphur , yet by all the other processes you meet with in Authors , you shall draw less .

It s virtue and use : It cools and purifies the Blood , resists Corruption , appeases the Burning Feavers . 'T is a very good preservative against the Plague , taking three or four drops of it in a glass of water ever morning . It is most excellent to touch Venereal Ulcers and Warts ; it dissolves Pearls and Corral : It fixes Mercury ; but cannot dissolve him , no more than the other Metals .

The Marks by which it is distinguished , are the same by which Spirit of Vitriol is known from other Spirits ; but all the difficulty is to distinguish Spirit of Vitriol from Spirit of Sulphur .

Spirit of Wine .

TAke as much good Aqua vitae , as will fill your Vesica or Copper body half full : set it in a naked Circulatory fire ; fit to it its cover or Moors-head , bordered with its Refrigeratory , having before hand put into the Vesica's long neck five or six sponges , held up by two sticks set a-cross , and kept from falling down or rising up : Then to the Moors-head Nose fit the moveable Pipe , which shall join it with the long Brass Pipe that goes through the two Hogs-heads of water ; then starch on long slices of Paper upon all the conjunctions of the Pipes ; and over the Paper , put cloth-ones , which bind fast with pack-thread : fit your Receiver of glass to the lower end of the long Brass Pipe that goes through the Hogs-heads ; set your Coals on fire , and add some wood to them , to make at first a great fire , which may raise and distil your Spirit quickly . In a very little time , it will come not by drops , but in a small stream like a Fountain . In all the course of this Operation , there must be singular care taken that the distillation be equal and moderate , so that as soon as you perceive white vapours in the Recipient , diminish your fire ; either by throwing ashes on it , or taking a good deal of it away . For these white Vapours are the Spirits which come in such an abundance , that they have not had time to condense , neither in the Moors-head , nor in the long Pipe , and therefore will easily scape out of your Receiver , and so the best of your Spirit will be lost to no purpose : besides , whensoever the Distillation is performed in too big a stream , though there be no Vapours , yet diminish your fire . But if it should come drop by drop , then augment the heat ; you may take notice that the first quart that comes , though excellent and pure , yet it is not clear , but muddy , having contracted a foulness from the sides of the Vessel ; therefore throw it in again with a Tunnel by the little Pipe , which on purpose is in the top of the Vesica , and presently stop the said Pipe close with its Woodden stopper ; the Spirit that shall from henceforth be distilled , will be clear and transparent . By this method , out of thirty quarts of good Aqua vitae , you may draw eighteen quarts of good Spirit of Wine in a day , and in one only Vesica . You must observe often , all along your Operation , whether your Spirit be well deflegmated ; which try thus : Put as much Gunpowder as you can take up with your two fore-fingers and your thumb , into a little spoon , which fill with Spirit of Wine ; then fire it with a Match , or lighted Paper : for if this Spirit take fire and burn blew , till it be consumed , and then fire the Gunpowder , and that at last there be no mark of any moistness left in the spoon , you may be sure your Spirit is very pure , and very good .

The last Spirit that comes , is not good , as well because it brings phlegm with it , as because it smells of the Empyreuma , or burning ; and having been long in the Vesica , is somewhat impregnated with the substance and qualities of the Copper . Therefore set it aside to be used exteriourly , or in Mechanicks ; or else rectifie it again with new Brandy . Whensoever your perceive that there comes some muddy whitish drops , which make the clear Spirit which was in the Receiver change its colour , then know that it is time to make an end of the Operation : for these drops are the flegm which produces this effect upon the pure Spirit : for if you put two or three drops of Water into good Spirit of Wine , it will do the same thing . There will remain in the Vesica twelve quarts of flegm muddy and greenish from the Copper ; this tincture is to be thrown away .

This Spirit of Wine does also contain in it self something of the Copper : nevertheless it may be taken safely by the mouth , because that Copper extracted by this Spirit , is not so dangerous as Verdigreece extracted out of Copper by Vinegar . Nay , the Copper does contribute much to the preservation of this Spirit in its force . But , if in a Glass Alembick you will take the pains to rectifie it , and reduce your eighteen quarts to fifteen , then you may without scruple use it in all manners ; and in the bottom of your Cucurbit , there will remain a green tincture , which is a flegm impregnated , with the Salt and Sulphur of Venus , or Copper . Which tincture evaporated , congeals into blew Crystals ; then powdred and dissolved in common Water , filtred , and then evaporated a second time , will again in a cold Cellar congeal into blew transparent Crystals of Venus .

It s virtue and use : Spirit of Wine is a powerful Dissolver for all sorts of Gums and Rosins , as well for the use of Physick , as to make China-Vernish : it is good for Burnings , Contusions , Gangreens , Palsie , cold Fluxions ; particularly , if it be circulated with Salt of Tartar , it serves to extract perfectly the tincture of all Barks , Rinds , Woods , Berries , Aromatick , Balsamick , and Resinous , as also of Opium ; to make of them Magisteries , Extracts , Essences and Syrops .

The Phlegm , Spirit , and Oyl of Turpentine .

FIll half the fourth part of a Brass Vesica with clear Venice Turpentine ; pour upon it common Water , till the Vessel be but half full , lest if it were fuller , the Turpentine should boil up , and run in its own substance into the Receiver . Fit to the Vesica the Moors-head , bordered with its Refrigeratory , omitting the sponges in the neck , because the Liquor here is not spiritous enough to pass through them . Give your fire , and govern your Operation altogether as has been taught in the Chapter of Spirit of Wine .

The Flegm , Spirit and Oyl , will come altogether ; but the Flegm will sink to the bottom of your Receiver , whereas the Spirit and Oyl will swim above . There will remain in the Vesica a thick substance called Colophon . Separate your Flegm by a Glass-Tunnel , and keep the Spirit and Oyl incorporated together . This Oyly Spirit is sold by Druggists in Paris , under the name of Spirit of Turpentine : they have it from Provence , and afford it us at a much cheaper rate , than we could make it at Paris .

How to separate entirely the Spirit from the Oyl . Fill a Glass-Retort half full , ( your Retort must be luted , only there must be upon the neck a long empty space left to see into it , that so you may perceive towards the end of the Operation , of what colour your Oyl is : ) set your Retort upon a Round , in the little Circulatory fire , and distil your matter , till you have three parts of Spirit out of it , and that in the bottom of your Retort you see a thick red Oyl , almost of the colour of a Pomgranate . Take then your Retort off from the fire , and pour out this hot Oyl into an Earthen Pan of white ware . As for the Spirit which you have in the Receiver , rectifie it again in the same Retort , and by the same sort of fire , so as to distil three quarters and an half in Spirit , and the rest remain in form of a thick red Oyl : which done , pour out the said Oyl to that which you have already . Then rectifie your Spirit again , doing thus , as long as you can extract any Oyl out of it : then your Spirit will be right and pure , devested of its Oyl , and without smell ; but it will still have its force and acrimony .

The Use and Virtues of the Spirit . 'T is a powerful Diuretick , and makes the Gonorrhaea's flow abundantly , by melting and inciding those tough and clammy humours , which stop the passages of Sperm and Urine : It dissolves the soft Stones which are not yet strongly petrified : It dissolves all Gums better than Spirit of Wine , and that without any additional heat , either of Fire or Sun ; Therefore it is used in making the best Vernish : it dissolves with a small heat Brimstone , and makes a better Balsam of it than that which is made with the oyly Spirit of Turpentine , bought at the Druggists . The Provencals , who are great Drawers of Essences , use it in all their Operations , either upon Flowers or Woods , Barks , Leaves or Berries , both Aromatick and Balsamick , because this Spirit being naturally unctuous , is easily impregnated with the oyly Essence of these Druggs ; and because it has no smell of its own , it easily takes the Aromatick or Balsamick Odour of any of those that are infused in it , and then distil it in the Vesica , as we do Spirit of Wine . For do not think that their Essences are pure , and drawn from their Druggs alone : no , they are nothing but Spirit of Turpentine , impregnated with the Essence of them . So that this Spirit has a double use ; for it extracts the Essence , and multiplies it considerably .

The Virtues and Use of the red Oyl : It is a Sovereign Anodynum for the wounds of nervous parts , because it has lost all its Acrimony , which consisted in its Spirits .

The Salt of Tartar , of which is made the Oyl of Tartar by solution of the Salt .

TAke equal parts of pure Nitar and good Tartar , either white or red ; powder them apart very fine : then mingle them in a glazed earthen Pan ; then , with a red hot Iron , stir all this masse , until the Niter be entirely consumed and evaporated , which you shall know by the ceasing of flagration or burning . Thus your Tartar , being perfectly calcin'd , will afford you a Salt as white as Snow , and the same in weight with that which you mingled with the Niter at first ; whence you may conclude , that Tartar is all Salt .

The Oyl of Tartar is made thus : Set this Salt in a very wet air , such as the air of a Celler , there it will melt , and dissolve into a white viscous Liquor , which we call Oyl of Tartar by solution , to distinguish it from the black stinking Oyl , which is drawn by distillation in a Retort and open fire : nevertheless , to speak properly , the name of Oyl is not due to either of them , because they are neither Sulphurous nor inflamable substances . If after you have made the Salt of Tartar , you are in haste to have the Oyl , you may presently compass your end by throwing eight ounces of common Water upon four ounces of this Salt of Tartar ; for then it will all dissolve into Liquor .

Obs. 1. That you chuse good Tartar ; for that is all Salt : whereas the grosser sort of Tartar has much of faeces , and terrestreity in it , which would spoil this Operation , in which we pretend to dissolve all the Salt into Water .

Obs. 2. That your Niter be well devested of all its fixt Salt , because we desire here a pure Salt of Tartar , without the mixtion of any other : therefore your Niter must be entirely volatil , and exhale all in the flagration .

Obs. 3. That they both be well powder'd , and mingled together , that so the Niter penetrating the Tartar , do throughly calcine it ; and it is for this reason that we use an equal quantity of Niter : By this method the Tartar is far better and easilier calcin'd than by the naked fire , without any Intermedium .

Obs. 4. That we make use here of an earthen glazed Pan , without any fear that the Niter should corrode the Lead of the Vernish ; because its flame is not retained , but is at liberty to exhale . An unglazed or stone-Pan would be unfit for the Operation , because it would presently break by the Inflammation of the Niter .

The Virtues and Use of the Salt : 'T is a great Aperitive , Deopilative , and Diuretick ; the dose is from one to two dragms , in some Broth , or any other appropriated Liquor . The Tartar Vitriolated , because of the grateful acidity which it borroweth from the Vitriol , is much more pleasant to take than this Salt . This Salt , in the quantity of half a scruple , will extract in a quarter of an hour the virtue and tincture of half an ounce of Senna , in a glass of cold water , and at the same time proves a good Corrective to the noisom smell and taste of the Senna , giving it also the virtue of penetrating into all the Veins .

The Oyl of Tartar is very scouring and drying ; and is therefore excellent to rub all Scabs , Itch , and Tetters ; as also to take away Spots , and Sun-burns upon the Hands and Face . It is useful to precipitate the dissolutions of Metals , and Half-metals , or Marcasites . And pray , by the By , take notice , That all Acids , as Sea-water , distilled Vinegar , Oyl of Tartar , Spirit , and black Oyl of Sulphur ; and Vitriol , Spirit of Niter , and Aqua fortis , serve to precipitate the dissolutions of Minerals : but that ordinary common Water , serves to precipitate the Distillations and Calcinations of Minerals ; as also the Dissolutions of Vegetables made in Spirit of Wine , for the Reasons which hereafter we shall alledge .

Crystal Mineral , or Lapis Prunellae .

TAke a Pot of the same Earth that Crucibles are made of , of the bigness of a Chamber-pot , and like it in Figure , with a handle ; set it upon two Bricks in a great Circulatory Fire of Suppression : before the Pot be heated , throw into it as much pure Salt-peter in powder , as will fill it up to the brim ; the Salt-peter will melt ; and as soon as it is melted , throw into it a spoonfull of Brimstone in powder , which immediately will take fire , and be consumed : when the flame ceases , throw in as much more , and so do three or four times . This Brimstone does not communicate any virtue to the Niter , only serves to purifie it , by precipitating its Faeces to the bottom of the Pot , till it become so transparent , that after these Projections and Flagrations , you may see the bottom of the Pot through the melted Niter . This done , pour a little of this melted Niter into a Brass-tinn'd-Kettle , and presently set your Pot upon the fire again , having taken away a good part of the Coals round about it ; then stir your Kettle so , as to make the Niter spread it self all over the bottom of your Vessel ; which done , set it in a bigger Vessel full of cold Water , that so you may hinder the Niter from burning , and adhering too strongly to the bottom of your Kettle : separate then at last this white Crust , which is as thin and as brittle as Glass , and as white as Alabaster , and is by some called Crystal Mineral .

After this , take more melted Niter out of your Pot , pour it into your Kettle , and do all things as before , continuing till there be nothing left in the Pot but the Faeces of the Niter , which you may throw away . Then gather all these thin Crystals together , and put them into a Kettle of Water upon the Fire , there to dissolve by a gentle ebullition ; and if all dissolve not , it is a sign there is not Water enough . When all is dissolved , take off your Kettle , and filter this Liquor presently , while it is warm , through a brown Paper , over an earthen unglaz'd Cucurbite . Then set the said Cucurbite in a Sand-heat , there to evaporate , till there appear upon the Superficies a thin skin ; then take it off , let it cool ; the Niter will crystallize into Needles of a sexangulary Figure , white , clear , and transparent , as any Rock-Crystal ; but as brittle as Glass , and of a pleasant and grateful acidity . And then it is properly called Crystal Mineral , because of its resemblance with Crystal . Some call it Lapis Prunellae ; and that is , because it is sharp and sowre , like your wild Prunes or Plums .

Obs. 1. That we make use of a Pot of the same Earth that the Crucibles are made of , and not of an ordinary earthen-glaz'd Pot , because the Niter being once melted , would also dissolve the ledding of the Pot ; and being incorporated with it , would lose much of its whiteness .

Obs. 2. That we fill the Pot full up to the brim , that we may make at once a great quantity of Crystal Mineral ; and because the Niter melted will take up but half the room it did before , being no ways subject to rise and run over .

Obs. 3. That you must beat to powder your Niter ; for so , a greater quantity will be contained in the Pot , and also be easilier melted .

Obs. 4. That you must not stay till your Pot be warm , before you put in your Niter ; because the Pot being very hot , and the flegm of the Niter coming to be dissolved first , would be broke infallibly . Therefore put in your Niter at first ; and so by degrees , as your Pot warms , your Niter will be deflegmated : and yet observe , That if you throw a spoonful of Niter into a pot red-hot , it will not break , because there is too little flegm for so much heat .

Obs. 5. That the Niter being hot enough , melts and is deflegmated ; it melts by the means of its flegm ; for it is the flegm that puts all Salts into fusion . And whensoever Salts are entirely calcined or deflegmated , they cannot be melted , except they be wet anew by some washings , and then they grow whiter .

Obs. 6. That if while the Niter is deflegmatizing , there chance to fall into it any small live Coal , then it will all be in a flame , till the Coal be consumed ; and , to extinguish this flame , there is no way but to take out the said Coal , and to cover the pot .

Obs. 7. That if after the melting of your Niter , and the purifying of it by the different injections of Brimstone , you do not take off your pot , or take away some Coals , and the two first rounds of Bricks of your Furnace , that then your Niter will break the pot , though it were of Iron ; and then the fire will inflame your Niter : which inflamed , will all exhale , and vanish away . The reason why the pot will be broken , is , because that then the Spirits of the Niter , being strongly heated , fly out of their body , and so corrode and break the pot .

Obs. 8. That the Niter does not take fire in the pot ; because , that though a spoonful of Niter cast into a pot red-hot , will presently be in a flame , and vanish all away in smoak ; yet a great quantity of Niter , even after its deflegmations , cannot be set a-fire , but by a red-hot Coal , unless you use a fire of Suppression , and so penetrate the pot , as to make it fire the Niter . And that cannot be done , because in such an Operation , an Earthen or Iron Pot or Crucible would break , and a Glass one would melt down .

Obs. 9. That the Niter , being melted , is not afterwards coagulated into a lump upon the fire , as Vitriol and Alum use to do ; because they are gross terrestrious Salts , which Niter is not .

Obs. 10. That you must take well purified Niter , that so there be less of fix'd Salt in it : for , the fix'd Salt is easily dissolved into Water ; and therefore your Niter being clear of it , will make your Crystals whiter and drier ; if you use ordinary unrefin'd Niter , your Crystals will be apt to dissolve into Water .

Obs. 11. That the Brimstone takes fire in the melted Niter , and yet inflames not the Niter ; because the oyly substance of the Brimstone is dryer than the Niter , and because that the Niter can scarce ever be well deflegmated : for its Spirits , by reason of their great thinness , are subject to evaporate , and be gone with the flegm ; as also , because no Vessel can long contain melted Niter , without breaking or melting .

Obs. 12. That the Brimstone purifies the Niter , because that the grosser part of the Brimstone , which has not been a-fire , mingling its self with the melted Niter , hurries along with it to the bottom all the Faeces of the Niter .

Obs. 13. That Crystal Mineral is nothing but a well-purified Niter , that is well devested , 1. Of its Flegm : 2. Of its fix'd Salt : 3. Of its black Faeces , which it had contracted in those Vessels in which Niter is grosly prepared at first ; and so you see , unless you filtrate it , and then crystallize it , it is not sufficiently purified . When once it has been crystallized , then you may dissolve it again , and reduce it into a white Crust , which is called Lapis Prunellae . Now the Crystal Mineral loses its flegm , by the melting of the Niter it is devested of ; it s Smoot by the flagrations of the Brimstone , and by the filtration ; and it loses its fix'd Salt by the crystallization .

The Vse and Virtues : It cools very much , resists Corruption , and is Diuretick : It may be taken inwards , from half a scruple to a drachm ; and in a Clyster , from two drachms to half an ounce .

The Niter sulphurated , or the nitrous Salt of Sulphur .

TAke four ounces of Flowers of Brimstone , and eight ounces of very fine purified Niter , reduce them into a very fine Powder separately , and then mingle them together .

Then pour into a great stone-Pan , a pint of Spirit of Urine , ( drawn from fresh Urine , in a Glass-Alimbeck , and Sand-fire ; ) in the middle of this Pan set a little stone-Pot , upon which set also a little Cup of the same Earth .

Then begin to make the flagrations of the said Brimstone and Niter together ; and for this effect , put a spoonful of these two powders mingled together into the little Cup , then put into them a red-hot Iron , your matter will be immediately in a flame ; therefore cover your Pan with a Glass-Bell , whereby you may receive the red Vapours of the flaming matter . These Vapours will dissolve into three different Substances , viz. into Spirits of Niter , and Spirits of Sulphur , which fall together , and are incorporated with the Spirit of Urine in the bottom of the Pan ; and into nitrous flowers of Brimstone , which will be found sticking , partly to the sides of the Bell , and partly to the sides of the Pan , and part of them will be spread in form of a Pellicula , or little skin , upon the superficies of the Spirit of Urine .

Take notice , That in this first flagration your Cup breaks infallibly , because it is not lined or fenced with any thing that can hinder the Niter from exrcising its activity upon it . In a quarter of an hour , or thereabouts , the Vapours will be passed , and dissolved into the three Substances I have spoken of ; which done , break that little reddish skin upon the superficies of the Spirit of Urine ; to the end , that in the following flagrations , the Spirit of Urine may be impregnated with the acid Spirits of the Sulphur and Niter , which could not be , if that skin remained entire : then take away your broken Cup , in which you will find a whitish Crust left . After the first flagration , powder this , and put it into a new stone Cup , and it will keep it from breaking , as the first did . Then put another spoonful of water into this Cup , fire it , and in a word , observe all the circumstances of the Operation already described , continuing it till all your Sulphur and Niter be consumed .

This done , take the calcined Faeces of Niter and Brimstone , which remain in the bottom of your Cup , and reduce them into a fine powder , in an Iron Mortar : then mingle them , with all that is contained in your Earthen Pan , taking care to scrape off from the sides , into the Pan , all those Flowers that stick either to the Bell or Pan : Let this stand , and infuse the space of twelve hours ; to the end , that the acid of the Niter and Sulphur , may entirely dissolve all the said Faeces and Flowers : filtrate this Dissolution through a brown Paper , over a glass Pan or Dish , and there will remain in the Paper some grey Faeces of the Flowers of Sulphur , which you may throw away .

Then begin your second Operation , that is , the deflegmation or evaporation of your Dissolution ; To this purpose , put your Dissolution into a Matrass , which must not be luted ; because towards the end of the Operation , you are to see what passes in the Vessel : Your Matrass must be short-necked , to the end the evaporation may be quicker ; and it must not be above three quarters full , lest the matter should boil and run over , by breaking the Glass . Set your Matrass upon a Round , in a small Circulatory Fire , hindring all sorts of Coals , either kindled or not , from coming near your Glass , for fear of breaking it . Continue a good equal Fire , till you perceive , after a long boiling , a kind of white scum upon your matter ; then lessen the Fire , and let your matter evaporate gently , till it be of a clear milky colour , and cease to boil , and make a noise .

Then augment the heat , that so in a small time you may evaporate the nitrous red Spirits still remaining : then , if with this augmentation of heat your matter does not boil , take it off from the fire , and pour it very hot into a stone-Pan , stirring and turning your Pan so as to make your liquor congeal , and spread it self all over equally , in the form of a Crust , as white as Alabaster , but as brittle as Glass .

This second Operation , thus performed , you must begin a third , which is to mould this Salt into the Figure of Glass-Vials . This third Operation does indeed add nothing to the virtue of the remedy , but is only an ingenious beautifying of it , which is thus performed .

Fill little Glass-Vials half full with these white Crusts , place a Vial upon the ground , and surround it with live Coals , the Salt will presently melt : when it is melted , take away your Vial , and shake it , that the Salt may stick to the sides of it , and so take the shape of the Glass ; then wet your Vial with cold Water , and it will break into a thousand pieces , which will nevertheless cleave to the Salt . These you must loosen with the point of a knife , and when you have taken away all the bits of Glass , there will remain a Vial of Salt , as white as Alabaster , and which may be so preserved till you need it .

Obs. 1. That to make the Salt of Brimstone , you must calcine the Brimstone , and that nothing can calcine it so well as Niter , which , by firing the Brimstone , raises its volatile part , or Spirits , and leaves in the Cup the Calx of Brimstone , containing but few Faeces , and a great deal of fixed Salt : and the Niter being pure , burns all away , and remains not in the said Calx ; but , because here Niter is the Agent , therefore we use here as much again of it as of Sulphur , which is the Patient . The reddish Flowers of Brimstone are also calcined by the said Niter .

Obs. 2. That we use here Spirit of Urine , as well because that if there were no Liquor , the acid Spirits of Niter and Brimstone would be lost in the pores of the earthen Pan , as because that the said Spirit of Urine is a powerful Diuretick , and does therefore augment the virtue of our Remedy .

Obs. 3. That the hardest thing in this Operation , is to deflegmate the dissolution of Brimstone in the Spirit of Sulphur , and there is a great deal of danger that the Matrass will break towards the end of your Operation , when the matter rises , and boils high ; therefore be diligent , moderate your heat , Experience makes a good Artist .

Obs. 4. That after you have happily evaporated your Dissolution , that you may conclude your process , and chuse whether you will mould your Salt into the Figure of Glass-Vials , or no : but pour out your Dissolution into an earthen Dish , and so keep it .

Obs. 5. That this nitrous Salt of Brimstone , is nothing but the Flowers of Brimstone , calcined by the Salt of Niter , then impregnated with the Spirits of Brimstone and Niter , and at last coagulated into a white Salt . If after the evaporation of the Spirit of Niter , which was incorporated with this Salt , you take of it , and Sal Armoniac , equal parts , and sublime them together , you will have a lovely sublim'd Salt , white , and so strong , that it will melt in Paper , and break a Box , if you put it into it .

It s Vse and Vertues : 'T is a powerful cooler , and Diuretick , it purifies the Blood , resists Corruption , is most excellent in Feavers , both continual , and intermittent ; it drives the Gravel of the Kidneys , and cures the Running of the Reins ; the Dose is , from ten to thirty Grains , in Wine , Broth , Syrop , Ptisane , Distilled Water , or Decoction , answerable to the Indication , and sometimes in a Purgative Powder , or Bolus .

Dulcified Sublimate .

TAke of good Corrosive Sublimate of Venice , as much as you please , eight ounces if you will ; powder it to a fine Powder , in a white earthen Dish , pretty deep , and very even , with a glass or earthen Pestle , and be careful to stop your Nose with a Handkerchief , tyed behind your Head , for fear the vapours of the Sublimate , should make your Head ake , or cause some worse effect . Then put to it the same weight of Quicksilver , and by trituration , or beating , incorporate them together : when they are half incorporated , add to them a spoonful of distilled Vinegar , or rather just as much as is necessary to reduce your Mass into a wet powder , and not into a paste ; if you put too much Vinegar , you will have the trouble afterwards of evaporating it by the fire side , and then all the purgative vertue of the Mercury will go near to fly away , with the superfluous humidity of the distilled Vinegar . Put this powder into a small Matrass , long and straight-necked , and unluted , that you may see to the bottom ; let a good part of the Matrass be empty , that there may be room for the sublimation , and that it may be performed in a shorter time with a small heat ; pose your Matrass upon a Round , in the small circulary Fire , and presently you will perceive some humid vapours , which rise from the Vinegar : and when they cease , then 't is a sign that all the Vinegar is evaporated : then stop your Matrass with a Paper-stopple , the better to keep in the Spirits of the Mercury , and the Salts of the Sublimate Corrosive : continue your Fire equally , till all the matter be raised , and sublimed from the bottom of the Vessel ; then your first Sublimation is perfected : therefore take off your Matrass , let it cool , and then break it below the Sublimate ; take out the said Sublimate , which will be all in a lump , like a Mushrome , and of a Pearl-colour ; separating the Quicksilver , if any , which you shall find swimming on the top , and which has not been well incorporated with the rest ; if there be any spot of blackness about it , you must also scrape it with a Knife gently ; and above all , you must take out by inclination , that is , by pouring the Quicksilver that will be got , as high as the orifice of the Matrass ; as also , scrape away a kind of greyish powder , which will be in good quantity in the neck of your Matrass : set aside this scraping , and this powder , to use it in those Unguents , in which Mercury is required : because , this black scraping would in a second Sublimation , stain the whiteness of your Sublimate ; and the greyish powder , would communicate a venomous quality to the remedy , because in it are enclosed the sulphureous Volatil , yellow Salts , as well of the Mercury , as of the Corrosive Sublimate ; and it is in these Volatil Salts , that consists all the malignity of the Sublimate .

This done , reduce your Pearl-colour Sublimate into powder , in a stone or marble Morter , and put it into a great Matrass , luted from the bottom to half the belly ; so that there be five parts left empty , for the Sublimate to stick to ; set it in the same Furnace , encreasing the heat by little and little , and taking care to keep off from the Matrass all flaming Coals , lest they should break the Glass : continue this heat , till , when you take off your glass , and shake it , you perceive that little or nothing falls to the bottom . And take notice , That it is better that there should remain something , than that all should be sublim'd ; else your Sublimate being over-heated , would contract a yellowness . Thus your second Operation is ended , take off your Matrass , let it cool , and then break it below the Sublimate ( which now is call'd the White Eagle ) it appears in form of a Crown , towards the middle of the Matrass . Take out your Sublimate , and separate it carefully from all its Faeces , which are a red Earth , proceeding from the Vitriol , and which sticks to the bottom of the Sublimate , and also a grey powder , coming from the volatil , and venomous Salts of the Mercury , and the Sublimate Corrosive : it sticks to the orifice and neck of the Matrass . Use them both in Unguents , as it has been said if you chuse not rather to revive all the Mercury that is in them , and make it quick again , for this same , or some other Operation . Keep this Sublimate in a glass Vial of a large orifice , and put it in , in pretty big morsels ; stop it well with a Cork , and a piece of oyl'd Bladder over it , for fear it lose at last its purgative Vertue , by the evaporation of its best volatil , white mercurial Salt .

It is not good to sublime it a third time , lest it lose all its purgative Vertue ; nay , the more you would sublime it now , the blacker it would grow : so that , after five or six sublimations , it would turn in the bottom of the Glass into a black lump , without possibility of being sublimed any more .

Obs. 1. That the Corrosive Sublimate ought to be made with Quicksilver , Common Salt , Vitriol , and Saltpeter : they make it rarely well at Venice , from whence it is brought to us , and sold three times cheaper than we can afford to make it . The Hollanders send good quantities of it hither , but it is ordinarily sophisticated , by the mixtion of white Arsenick , which is very heavy , and but ten pence a pound ; whereas Mercury is worth four or five shillings a pound ; besides , that Arsenick being incorporated with the Sublimate , is a strong poyson . But you will easily perceive this Cheat , if you pour a little Oyl of Tartar , made per deliquium , upon your Corrosive Sublimate : if it be good , and without mixtion of Arsenick , it will become as yellow as Gold ; if there be Arsenick , it will grow as black as Ink. Besides , the best Sublimate of Venice , is made into little Grains , as big as Hemp-seed : but the Sublimate of Holland , is in great Splinters , as Mineral , Antimony , or Bismuth ; and this is , because the Arsenick cannot be so well incorporated with the said Mercury , as common Salt , Niter , and Vitriol .

Obs. 2. That we take of Sublimate and Quicksilver equal parts ; because , if there were less Corrosive Sublimate , it could not corrode , and calcine the Mercury : and if there were more , it would be hard to dulcifie the Mercury : 'T is experience has taught us this proportion .

Obs. 3. That we make use of a Glass , or white Dish , or Pan , with a glass or marble Pestle , to powder the Corrosive Sublimate : for it would whiten and spoil a brass or iron Mortar : and because in an earthen-glaz'd dish it would be black'd by the Lead of the Dish , and in an un-glaz'd one , there would much of it be lost in the little pores of the Earth : but all these inconveniences are prevented by making use of a Marble Glass , or White-ware Dish , which indeed is but the dreggs of Glass , refined and crystallized .

Obs. 4. That we use distilled Vinegar to incorporate the Quicksilver , with the Corrosive Sublimate ; because , the Vinegar , having a Salt , helps the corrosion of the Mercury ; and therefore furthers more their intimate mixtion , than a Liquor which had not such a Salt would do ; but undistilled Vinegar , and particularly of Red-wine , is not good , because it would alter the whiteness of this Remedy . The Spirit of Vitriol is worse , for it would make it black : spittle would do well enough , but it is dangerous to spit upon the Sublimate , lest in spitting , some of it should get into the mouth .

Obs. 5. That in the first Sublimation , we give but a gentle circulary Fire , and do thereby elevate the Sublimate , but a little above the bottom of the Matrass ; because , we do not pretend at this time to any thing , but only to calcine , and incorporate the Mercury with the Sublimate . But in the second Sublimation we give a greater Fire , and raise the Sublimate to the middle of the Matrass ; because then we desire to purifie exactly our Sublimate from its Faeces , and by evaporating the malignant venomous volatil Salts , have a fair crystallized Sublimate .

Obs. 6. That if in the second Sublimation , when all your powder is sublim'd , you do not take your Matrass off from the Fire , it will grow yellow , and blackish ; nay , the more you sublime it , the blacker it will grow ; because the Mercury being devested of the purest part of its Salt , who have left behind a sulphureous smoot , begins to burn , change colour , and at last grow black .

Obs. 7. That the dulcified Sublimate is but crude Mercury ; incorporated with , and calcined by Corrosive Sublimate , then devested of its own , and all the venomous Salts of the Corrosive Sublimate ; but yet furnished with the mildest , and sweetest parts of them , and by them . The Vertue Purgative of this Remedy , is , as it were , whited , and sharpened . Now while the Mercury is a calcining , and purifying by these Salts , it rises more or less , according to the heat , by its own nature , which is Volatil , and by the means of the Niter , which is joyned with it . And this we call subliming ; for the common Salt , and Vitriol , are hurried away , and carried up by the Mercury and Niter , and by their Nature , which is not Volatil : they keep the Mercury and Niter from rising so high , as to run out of the Matrass .

It s Vse and Vertues : It purges gently , from one scruple to a dram ; and if you take it four days together , augmenting your Doze , by little and little , from a scruple to a dram , it fluxes . It s particular Use is , to dissolve all scirrous , and scorbutick Tumours , both interiour and exteriour .

Turbith Mineral .

TAke two ounces of Quick-silver , well purified , and three ounces of Spirit of Niter ; put them into a Glass Retort luted to half the neck , leaving a gap to look through at ; place it upon a Round , in a small circulary Furnace , keeping the neck of your Retort streight , and not leaning on one side , till your Mercury be dissolved in the Spirit of Niter , which you will easily perceive through the gap you left , when you luted your Glass . When your Mercury is quite dissolved , then , to go the shorter way to work , evaporate the Spirit of Niter , your Retort being in the same posture still : but if you mean to draw off the said Spirit of Niter , then set your Retort in a distilling posture , and fit to it a Recipient , continuing your fire in the same degree as before . When the exsiccation , or drying of your Mercury shall be thus performed , take off your Vessel , and let it cool ; then pour into it an ounce of Oyl of Sulphur , upon the white matter which remains in the bottom , and then set it again upon the same fire , till all the Oyl of Sulphur be likewise evaporated ; reiterate three or four times this cohobation , or rectification , with the same proportion of Oyl of Sulphur : to the end , that at last it may fire the Mercury . This done , break your vessel , and in the bottom you will find a white lump , which reduce to powder , and upon this powder pour warm water , which incontinent will become yellow : reiterate this dulcoration or sweetning , till at last your water come away as insipid as it was poured on ; then separate by inclination the water , which will not be tinged as the other was , and after dry your matter gently in a sand heat , and there will remain at last a powder as yellow as Gold : upon this , pour some spponfuls of Spirit of Wine , and set it on fire , doing thus three or four times to sweeten your Mercury the more . It will be as yellow and as bright as Gold , and of no taste , and so fix , that being put into a Crucible , and melted in a Wine Furnace , it will still keep the consistence of a yellow powder , without losing but very little of its weight , which is a sign that it is well fixt .

Obs. 1. That your Mercury for this Operation , must be well purified , because the intention is to fix it , which could scarce be done , if it were impure , and mingled with Lead , besides that being designed for a purgative in a very small Dose , it would scarce answer your intention : you will be able to judge if it be well purified or no , by putting some of it into a Stone-cup : for , if when you put a finger into it , it does not hang , and make a long thred , as a syrup would do , but is short , then it is good . If it be impure , you may purifie it by straining it through the Leather called Chamy ; for , the Lead , if there be any , will remain in the leather ; or else distill your Mercury in a Glass Retort luted , in a fire of suppression , and the Mercury will remain in the bottom of the Retort .

Obs. 2. That we use Spirit of Niter , and not Aqua fortis , to dissolve the Mercury , because the said Spirit being less harmful , and corrosive than Aqua fortis , ought to be imployed in all preparations of Remedies that are to be taken inwardly : besides that , if we had employed Aqua fortis , then the Mercury must necessarily after its dissolution have become red , as it shall be taught in the Chapter of the Red Precipitate hereafter : and no other Spirit would be corrosive enough to dissolve the Mercury but Spirit of Niter .

Obs. 3. That we use a greater quantity of Spirit of Niter , than of Mercury , because experience teaches us , that the dissolvant must be in greater quantity to dissolve such a dose of Mercury .

Obs. 4. That the said dissolution requires no other than a small circulary fire : for , if the heat were greater , the Spirit would evaporate , and be gone , in stead of doing its work ; and for the same reason , we keep the Retort with its neck upwards , that so , if the Spirit be raised , yet it may fall down again , and dissolve the Mercury .

Obs. 5. That if you draw off by distillation that said Spirit of Niter , it may be useful to you in frictions , for the Itch , the Scab , and such like diseases , having lost its force , which would have consum'd proud flesh , excrescences , &c.

Obs. 6. That the Mercury , being dissolved , and calcin'd Philosophically by the Spirit of Niter , after the exsiccation and evaporation of the said Spirit , the Calx of the Mercury is white , because the Niter being also white by nature , cannot with a small fire colour any body that is dissolved in it , but the Aqua fortis , makes the bodies grow red , because of the Vitriol which is in it .

Obs. 7. That upon the Calx of Mercury , we pour Spirit of Sulphur divers times , that so we may intirely fix the said Mercury , because the spirit of Sulphur is of it self fix , and farr from evaporating , when it is put in a Matrass upon the fire , it fixes part of it into a very pricking sharp Salt : and therefore , this Spirit has power to fix all Metals . The black Spirit of Vitriol , is not proper to fix , because it is of its nature volatil , and would evaporate all away , as for its salt at least ; and there would remain nothing but a Caput mortuum : and observe , by the by , that Mercury passes here through two the noblest Operations of Chymistry ; for first , it is dissolved by the Spirit of Niter , and then coagulated by the Spirit of Sulphur .

Obs. 8. That by pouring warm water upon this calx , it presently grows yellow , because the Oyl of Sulphur has communicated to it the Sulphureous yellow colour ; and the water being actually warm , dissolves and extracts the Salts who were incorporated in the said Calx .

Obs. 9. That by burning Spirit of Wine over the said Mercury , you dulcifie and sweeten it , and make its purgative vertue gentler ; because , the burning Spirit of Wine , penetrating the said Mercury , carries away with it , in the burning , all the Venemous volatil Salt that could be left .

Obs. 10. That Turbith Mineral is nothing but Mercury dissolved , and calcin'd by the Spirit of Niter , then fixt by the Spirit of Sulphur , then devested of the salts of its dissolvants by reiterated lotions , and freed from its malignous Sulphur by the flagrations of the Spirit of Wine .

It s Vse and Vertue : It purges strongly , and often provokes Vomit , from three to six grains ; it cures the Pox without fluxing , because being fixt , it cannot rise to the mouth , as all other preparations of Mercury that have not been fixt do . It is nevertheless very violent , because it is not so fixt , but there yet remains a little un-fixt mercurial Salt , and Sulphur , who are sharpened by the Spirits of Niter and Brimstone : and indeed , if all of it were fixt , then nothing of it could be dissolved in the stomach , and so would produce no other effect , than as much Gold in powder ; also , being not altogether Volatil , its Vertue is less harmful .

The White Precipitate .

TAke of pure Mercury eight ounces , and of Aqua fortis sixteen , put them into an unluted long necked Matrass , and of such a size , as it be not half full , lest when the Mercury and Aqua fortis are in dissolution , there should be so great an ebullition , as to cause the matter to run over : stir a little your Matrass with your hands , to heat the Aqua fortis , then set your vessel on warm ashes , to help a little more your Aqua fortis in its action upon the Mercury : but have a care you give not a greater heat than is necessary for a gentle ebullition ; for , if your Aqua fortis be over-heated , and opened , it will tinge ( by the means of its Vitriol ) your Mercury in a yellow colour : as soon as your Mercury is entirely dissolved , which may be done in half an hour , pour your dissolution into an earthen Stone Pan , or glass Bell ( the glazed earth being unfit , because the Aqua fortis would dissolve the Vernish ) then pour upon your matter cold sea-water , well filtrated , and impregnated with common Salt undecrepitated ; you may use about a quart of this Water , till your dissolved Mercury be all precipitated to the bottom of your Vessel , in a white powder . And take notice , that if you had used common water , you would not have precipitated your Mercury , but turned your dissolution into a white Liquor , which would have discharged it self of a white sharp powder : because that common water , having no salt , cannot fight with the salts of the Aqua fortis ; but if it be impregnated with a contrary salt , there arises a conflict , during which the Mercury scrapes , and falls to the bottom , leaving behind him a good part of his salts . This done , separate by Inclination your sea-water , and pour a great quantity of common water upon your matter , to take away the Acrimony , which the Aqua fortis by its Niter and Vitriol has communicated to the Mercury , and continue this , till your water come off insipid . Then , having pour'd off your last water , filtrate the remainder in a brown , or rather white Paper , to preserve the colour ; and dry your Precipitate in the shade : for , if you do it in the Sun , or by the Fire , it will lose much of its whiteness ; when it is very dry , keep it in a close Vial , well stopped , and covered with an oyl'd Bladder .

Obs. 1. That though this Remedy be taken inwards , yet we use Aqua fortis , and not Spirit of Niter ; because , Aqua fortis costs less , and is sooner made than Spirit of Niter ; which undoubtedly , without this reason of sparing , would be much fitter for this Operation : yet , we think that the great Lotions that are made , do dulcifie it , as if it had been prepared with Spirit of Niter .

Obs. 2. That we take as much again of Aqua fortis as of Niter ; as well , because the dissolvant must be stronger than the thing dissolv'd , as because that Experience teaches , that such a Dose of Aqua fortis is necessary to dissolve the Mercury entirely .

Obs. 3. That the Matrass must be long necked , that the Aqua fortis rais'd by the heat , to the middle of the neck , may cool , be condensed , and fall down again ; for , in this Operation , we pretend to nothing , but to dissolve and calcine Philosophically , and lightly , the Mercury , without penetrating its Body , and opening it by the Salts of the Aqua fortis , as we mean to do in the Red Precipitate : and thence it comes , that this Mercury , after its precipitation , retains its white colour , and the nature of Quicksilver .

Obs. 4. That if you pour hot Sea-water on your Dissolutions , then you will not be able to precipitate entirely your Mercury ; because , that the salt Sea-water , being sharpened by an actual heat , would penetrate and dissolve a part of the said Mercury , in stead of precipitating it .

Obs. 5. That to make Sea-water , you must not take decrepitated Salt ; because , it would be to no end to take away the flegm , since you are to put it into Water ; and as for purifying it , filtration will do that .

Obs. 6. That the White Precipitate , is nothing but Mercury opened , and calcined by the Aqua fortis , and retaining but very little of the Salts of the said Aqua fortis , the rest being carried away by the dulcorations .

It s Vse and Vertue : It is the gentlest of all the Purgatives drawn from Mercury , though it be dissolved by Aqua fortis ; because it has been sweetned by Lotions : It purges nevertheless more violently than the sweet Sublimate , and its Dose is less : For , to Children it is from three to six Grains , and for Aged persons , it is from six to fifteen : It cures the Pox taken interiourly ; and being dissolved with Oyl , it may be exteriourly used by Frictions , to cure the Itch , &c. This Remedy fluxes as easily as the sweet Sublimate ; because , the Mercury being unfix'd in these Preparations , has his wings left him , wherewith he presently flies upwards , in stead of purging by Stools .

The Red Precipitate of Mercury .

PUt four ounces of good Quicksilver , and six ounces of Aqua fortis into a Matrass , luted from its bottom to half the belly : set your Matrass on a Round , in a small circulary Fire ; give a gentle heat at first , lest you should cause too great an ebullition ; then encrease it , by little and little , till your Aqua fortis be evaporated ; and you will know if your Aqua fortis be evaporated , by laying upon the mouth of your Matrass a piece of Brass , or any other Metal : for , if it be not wet , then it is a sign that all the humidity , proceeding from the Aqua fortis , is evaporated : then encrease the Fire , putting live Coals round about the Glass , as high as the Lute goes , and continue the Fire , till your Mercury rise upon the brim of the Matrass , in form of a yellow Soot , and that a piece of yellow Metal set over this vapour , do grow white by rubbing of it ; and that is a sign that the Operation is ended : therefore take off your Glass with all speed , else your Mercury would all vanish away in this smoak . Your Matrass being cold , must be broken a little above the matter , and you shall find in the bottom an Orange-colour lump , the same in weight as the crude Mercury you used at first : and this is it , which we call a Red Precipitate .

Obs. 1. That if perchance the middle of this lump were of a whitish colour , then that is a sign that the Operation is not perfect ; and therefore , you must reduce it to powder in an Iron Mortar , and reverberate it in a Crucible , with a Fire of Suppression , till it become right Orange-colour .

Obs. 2. That you must not give the Fire so long , till your lump be red ; because , than your Mercury would lose all its corrosive Salts , and therefore would be disabled from consuming proud flesh , which is its principal Vertue .

Obs. 3. That we use here Aqua fortis to calcine Mercury , because the Remedy which we intend is a Topick exteriour one , to corrode , and consume all superfluous fleshly Excrescences ; and it is necessary , that it should be in greater quantity , than the Mercury , to dissolve it entirely . Moreover , calcin'd Mercury does not retain its natural whiteness ; because , the Vitriol of the Aqua fortis communicates this tincture , and because that the Fire here , is much more violent , than that which is us'd in the preparation of the Remedy , call'd Turbith Mineral . The dissolvant being also much more over-heated , and penetrating by the help of the Fire , communicates a sulphureous colour .

Obs. 4. That the Precipitate is found to be equal in weight to the Mercury , that was dissolved ; because , though in this Operation it have lost something of its volatil part , yet it hath impregnated it self with some of the Salts of the Aqua fortis , as much as to make up the weight : and these Salts it will keep , till it be reviv'd , and made Cuicksilver again .

Obs. 5. That the Red Precipitate of Mercury is a Mercury dissolv'd , and calcin'd by Aqua fortis , and then charg'd with the sharpest part of the Salts of the said Aqua fortis .

It s Vse and Vertue : It is lightly caustick , and escarotick , or consumptive ; and therefore eats away all proud flesh , and excrescences : and to mollifie it a little , it is mingled with some Unguent ; as the Basilicum , &c. It is good to cleanse Ulcers ; it is useful likewise in the preparation of the Arcanum Corallinum .

Arcanum Corallinum .

PUt as much Red Precipitate as you please into a glass Bell , pour upon it a good quantity of warm Water , not too hot , for fear of breaking your Vessel ; and do this often , till at last your Water come away sweet and insipid ; then having poured off your last Water , put your Precipitate into a little glass Cucurbite , and twice as much Spirit of Salt in weight , as there is Precipitate ; set your Cucurbite in a Sand-fire , with its Head and glass Receiver fitted to it , to draw off by distillation the flegm of the Spirit of Salt : in the mean time , the volatil Salt of the common Salt , which composes the Spirit of Salt , will remain in the bottom , and be incorporated with the Precipitate of Mercury , and so fix it , as to make it able to endure a reverberatory Fire , without evaporation ; on the top of this Mercury there is a white Crust , which is the grossest part of the Spirit of Salt that is corporified . Pour upon all this , some cold Water ( as soon as your vessel is cool ) to the end you may dissolve this grosser Salt , and draw it off from the Mercury ; reiterating thus your Lotions , till your Water come off insipid : then put your Mercury ( which is of a dark yellow ) into a Crucible , and reverberate it in a small reverberatory Furnace , till it become as red as Corral : and in this reverberation , the Salts of the common Salt , which were incorporated in the Mercury , do evaporate , and leave the Mercury in the same weight it had before its first Lotion : and nevertheless , the Mercury is fix'd by that little of these Salts which it enjoys . This done , put the said Mercury into a Dish of Earth glazed , and pour upon it good Spirit of Wine , two or three Fingers deep , which set on fire , till it be consumed , and so reiterate once more the said Flagration , to the end that the purgative , and vomitive Vertues of the Mercury , be milder by the evaporation of the volatil , and venomous part of the said Mercury , and its Salts .

Obs. 1. That we wash the Red Precipitate with luke-warm Water , to the end , that all the sharp Salts that are in the said Precipitate , be dissolv'd the better ; and by these reiterated Lotions , it becomes at last as sweet , as if it had been prepar'd with Spirit of Niter , in stead of Aqua fortis .

Obs. 2. That the Spirit of Salt , as well as the Spirit of Sulphur , has the vertue of fixing Mercury ; because , the Mercury it self too is naturally fix'd ; being therefore opened , and intimately penetrated by the Spirit of Salt , the said Spirit communicates to it its fixative vertue , and is it self fixed in the Mercury . And observe , that the Spirit of Salt has un-dyed the Red Precipitate , and made it of a dark yellow ; because the common Salt , being by its nature all white , and coming to mingle with the Orange-colour , must needs clear it , and give it this yellow .

Obs. 3. That the Arcanum Corallinum , is nothing but Mercury calcin'd and dissolv'd Philosophically by Aqua fortis , then fix'd by Spirit of Salt , and devested by washings , from the most malignous part of its Salts , and of the volatilest part of its substance , by reiterated flagrations of Spirit of Wine .

It s Vse and Vertue : It purges , and sometimes procures a Vomit , gently opening , and unstopping at the same time the passages , and dissolving all the hardnesses of the schirrous parts : alone it cures the Pox , without fluxing , because it is fix'd : The Dose is , from three to six grains .

The Crocus Metallorum , or Liver of Antimony .

TAke of Female Antimony one pound , and half a pound of common impure Niter ; powder them , and mingle them together ; in the mean time heat red-hot upon two Bricks , in a great Fire of Suppression , a large and capacious Crucible , or Camion : throw into this , with a great Iron Ladle , a quantity of your matter , and cover presently your Crucible , keeping it covered , till all the smoak cease : continue this Projection , and Flagration , till all your matter be consumed . This done , encrease the Fire , and stir with a stick your matter continually , till it be all melted : then take it off from the Fire , and pour it into a Brass or Iron Mortar , hindring as much as you can the Faeces , which swim upon the top , from going into the Mortar ; this liquor will congeal into a lump , which , when it is cold , you may break into many pieces , as glistring , and shining as Steel , or as burn'd Liver : then , if you powder them , they will change into a Saffron-colour'd powder , not unlike a diseas'd bilious Liver : and thence it is call'd the Saffron of Metals . As for the Faeces , remaining in the Crucible , you must throw them away as useless .

Obs. 1. That you must take Female Antimony , as being the worst , and you may know it , by its long bright white Needles ; as also , because it is much more brittle , than either the Male or Mineral Antimony . The Male is better than the Female , and is known by its little blue , yellow , green Needles , diversified in colours like a Rainbow . The Mineral Antimony is worst of all , because , not having been melted , it has not lost any of its volatil substance , in which consists all its malignity . It is distinguished easily ; for , it is full of the Rock out of which it is drawn . When you melt Mineral Antimony , the Male goes to the bottom . In this Operation of the Crocus Metallorum , Female Antimony is good enough ; because , the Remedy resulting from it is none of the best of Chymistry ; you may use the Male if you will , but have a care you do not use the Mineral ; because , being loaded with Earth and Rock , it would not melt with so small a quantity of Niter .

Obs. 2. That you must take common Niter , not purified , but such as comes from the first washing ; because , it is good enough to put the Antimony in fusion ; and because , its Faeces being to be mingled with the Faeces of the said Antimony in the melting , it would have been superfluous to have purified the Niter before-hand ; yet , if you will be at the charge , purified Niter will do no harm , it will rather be better .

Obs. 3. That you must powder your Antimony , and Niter , and mingle them well together ; that so , they may the easilier take fire .

Obs. 4. That you must not use a glaz'd Pot , or Crucible , lest the enflamed matter should corrode , and melt the Lead of the Pot.

Obs. 5. That you must not throw your matter into your Crucible , till it be red-hot , else your Niter would not take fire , and so would not be able to put your Antimony in fusion .

Obs. 6. That you must not throw all your matter at a time into the Crucible ; for then , the fusion of your Antimony would not be well performed ; because , the Niter by so great a flagration , would exhale , and be gone , before it had melted the Antimony .

Obs. 7. That after every Projection , you must cover your Crucible very close , to the end you may keep in the enflamed vapours of the Niter , who by their circulations , do the better contribute to the melting of the Antimony .

Obs. 8. That after all your matter is consumed , yet you must encrease the fire , because the Antimony is but half melted by the said flagrations : but , being already opened by the Niter , it soon melts , if the fire be encreased : and in the mean time , you stir it well , that so the Antimonial Liquor may go to the bottom , and be free from its Faeces ; and therefore , we use a stick , and not any thing of Iron , because the said Liquor would corrode the Iron , as we may perceive in the Regulus of Mars ; where the Antimony dissolves , and eats the filings of Iron , that are added to it . Besides , you may freely put the said stick to the bottom of your Crucible , because you do not mean to hinder the Faeces of the Antimony from going to the bottom ; and therefore , both melting together , descend likewise together , and only the Faeces of the Niter swim on the top of the melted Antimony .

Obs. 9. That the Liver of Antimony , or Crocus Metallorum , is nothing but Antimony opened , and melted by Niter , and not devested of its terrestreity , but full of its malignant purgative , and vomitive Sulphur : therefore , we have used but half the quantity of Niter , to a double proportion of Antimony , and we have let it stand no longer upon the Fire , than was necessary to melt it , with the fixt Salt of the Niter remaining in the Crucible .

It s Vse and Vertues : We seldom or never use the Liver of Antimony , till we have made it Crocus metallorum , by pulverisation . It is a Moderate vomitive , betwixt violent and gentle , and purges too , at the same time . This powder serves ordinarily to make the Vinum emeticum , or emetick Wine , by putting one ounce of it to infuse in a quart of white Wine , Sack , Beer , Cider , &c. the Dosis of this drink , will be from one to two ounces , to take at the mouth ; and from four to six ounces , in an emollient decoction , in a Clyster , without dissolving in it any thing else .

The Regule of Antimony .

TAke three pound of male Antimony , one pound and a half of common Niter , one pound and a half of Tartar , and four ounces of Wood Coals ; in the mean time , heat red hot a great Crucible , in a great circulary fire of suppression , then throw in your matter by parcels , with an Iron or wooden-ladle , and cover your Pot , or Crucible , at every time , till the smoak be past ; then , when your Crucible is almost full , encrease your fire , and with a stick , stir your matter from time to time , that so the purest part of the Antimony , may go to the bottom ; but , do not put your stick to the bottom of the pot , lest the Regule , which is in the bottom , should be mingled with its Faeces that swim on the top ; continue doing thus , till all your matter be melted , which will be in half an hour or thereabouts . Then , if you have any of your first matter left , for which there was not room in the Crucible , you may make an end of it , and put it to this , observing the same circumstances : when all is melted , give a violent fire for a quarter of an hour ; to the end , that the most harmful part of the Antimony may exhale . After this , take off your Crucible , set it upon a hot brick , for a cold one would go near to break it , because of its humidity : your Crucible being cold , break it , with a hammer , and in the bottom you will find your Regulus congealed in a lump , of the proportion of the bottom of the pot , as white as silver , very smooth underneath , and sometimes starred above in its superficies : on the top of this Silvery lump are the grayish Faeces , dry and spongious , and in good quantity , and marked also with the Star : but when the Star fails , the Regulus is as good , as if it had not fail'd ; for the Star is produced , but by a long fusion , which straightning it , does also diminish something of its purgative , and emetick vertues , by the too great evaporation of the flowers , and volatil Salt of the said Antimony .

Obs. 1. That you must preserve the Faeces of your Regulus ; for out of it you must draw the Golden Diaphoretick Sulphur , as shall be said hereafter .

Obs. 2. That we use here the Male Antimony as best , because here we aim at a more excellent remedy , than the Crocus Metallorum .

Obs. 3. That we use here common Niter unpurified , for the reason alleadged in the Chapter of the Liver of Antimony .

Obs. 4. That we here make use of Niter to open and set in fusion the body of Antimony , though we do also imploy the Tartar to hinder a too great ebullition of the said Antimony , because , the Niter being somewhat busie in calcining the Tartar , cannot employ all its force upon the Antimony ; besides , the Tartar being not inflameable by its nature , hinders the Niter from causing this ebullition ; and being withall a gentle Salt , it purifies , cleanses , and whitens the Antimony . Then we use Wood-Coals in powder for the same end , and because also the Coals being spongious , are apt to draw to themselves , and retain the Faeces of the Antimony . Now it is very necessary in this Operation , to prevent the ebullition , lest the Antimony should run over the pot , and be lost , we use also but one proportion of Niter to two of Antimony , for fear the flagration should be too quick , and we keep all the matter longer upon the fire than we do the Crocus metallorum , to give the Regulus time to separate from its Faeces .

Obs. 5. That you must powder , and mingle together the said matters ; that you must not make use of a glazed pot ; that you must not put in your matter , till your pot be red hot : that you must not put it in all at a time , but by little and little ; and that presently after every projection , you must cover the Pot with its cover : That you must stir your matter with a stick , for the reasons alledged in our observations upon the Liver of Antimony .

Obs. 6. That the Regulus of Antimony is nothing but an Antimony opened , and melted by the Niter , somewhat more intimately , than the Liver of Antimony ; because of the addition that is made here of the Tartar and Charcoal ; and also , by reason of the continuation of the fire , which devests it of its terrestreity , and of a good part of its venomous Sulphur , and flowers : but yet it is endowed with a great emetick , and purgative vertue . Therefore we have not used here much Niter ; and though the fire has been more violent than in the Liver of Antimony , yet it has not been strong enough to banish all the vomitive and purgative vertue , as shall be done in the Diaphoretick Antimony .

The Vertues and Vse : It is a milder vomative , and a gentler purgative , than the Crocus metallorum : and it is used in three different ways . 1. It may be powder'd and infus'd , and so make a Vinum emeticum , as has been said in the Crocus metallorum . 2. We make of it eternal Pills . 3. We make Cups of it , in which Wine infus'd , becomes purgative , and emetick . 4. It serves also to make the Diaphoretick , by calcining it with Niter , either in a fire of suppression , or in the Sun-beams by a burning-glass .

To make the everlasting Pills , you must have a Mould for leaden Bullets , of the bigness of an ordinary pill : lute , with our Lute , the lower parts , and all the sides of your Mould , to the end that your melted liquor being thereby kept in , may be fitly and handsomly shaped into the form of Pills ; then take as much as you please of your Regulus , and put it into an iron melting spoon , with a long handle : which set , upon a great fire of suppression , or in a wind Furnace : cover the said spoon with a dry Tyle , not a wet one , lest it should fly , then pour coals upon your spoon , thus covered , and give a melting fire , till your matter be red hot , and perfectly melted , and as shining and bright as quicksilver ; then pour gently your matter into your mould , and when it is cold , take out your Pills , which stick all one to another ; separate them ; and with a knife even them so , as they may have no unequal parts , which might hurt the throat , esophage the Maw , the Guts , or the Fundament .

One of these Pills may serve you for ever , taking it out of the close-stool ; and then making it clean for another time : for one Pill of dragm has the same effect , as the ordinary dose of Vinum emeticum , and works as well , as if you took three or four of these Pills at a time .

As for the mould of the Cup , it must be of sand and can serve you but once : your Cup must be as thick as a Crown piece : you must make your addresses to those that cast Bells , to make you a mould : you may make one of Brass , but it will cost you too much , and yet will not do so well as one of sand .

The Regulus of Mars .

TAke two pound of Male Antimony , one pound of Tartar , and as much of Common Niter , two ounces of Charcoal , and six ounces of filings of steel , or iron , powder all these , and mingle them well together , and operate in the same manner , as you did in making the Regulus of Antimony . The Operation done , will produce you thirteen ounces of Regulus , proceeding from Seven ounces of Antimony , and six of filings ; whereby you may perceive , that the Antimony loses much of its smooty Sulphur , and its sulphureous malignant flowers .

Obs. 1. That we add here the filings , to the end we may fix the vomative quality of Antimony , but you must not put above three ounces to each pound of Antimony , lest it should be so fixt , as to lose its purgative vertue , and contract the nature of a metal .

Obs. 2. That we employ , not so much Charcoal in this Regulus of Mars , as in the precedent Regulus of Antimony , in recompense whereof we put the filings , which produce the same effect .

Obs. 3. That out of the Faeces of this Regulus , is also made the golden Diaphoretick Sulphur .

Obs. 4. That the Regulus of Mars , is nothing but Antimony perfectly opened by Niter , and devested of its venemous qualities by a long fusion , though not long enough , to evaporate , all its purgative Sulphur . It s Emetick vertue is fixt , by the Addition of Mars .

It s Vse and Vertue : It purges gently by stool without provoking to vomit ; if it be infused in white Wine , or if you make of it everlasting Pills , or Cups , in the same dosis and methods we have described in the Regulus of Antimony . Nay more , if you powder one pound of it , and tye it up loosely in a coorse linnen , and then let it infuse in a quart of the decoction of sudorifick Woods , and Roots , you may cure the Pox without fluxing by Mercurial remedies . There is also made with the Regulus of Antimony , and Niter calcin'd together , an excellent Diaphoretick Antimony ; but observe , that that which is made , either with crude Antimony , or with the Regulus of Antimony , provokes vomiting , except it be very well washed ; whereas that which is made with the Regulus of Mars , never incites to vomit .

The golden Diaphoretick Sulphur .

TAke of the Faeces of Regulus Antimony , or of the Regulus of Mars , and boil them a quarter of an hour in common water , in a Brass kettle , to make thereof a dark yellow Lexivium , which filtrate through a brown Paper . Gather together all your filtrations , and put them into a glass , or stone vessel , but not into a glazed earthen then one ; lest the Salts of your matter , should corrode the Lead , or Vernish , and so black your powder ; then pour upon them two or three spoonfuls of Vinegar , or Spirit of Niter , Vitriol , or Sulphur , or some other acid ; the stronger it is , the higher will be the colour of your Precipitate ; for , these acid Spirits do much more vivifie colours , than Vinegar does . You will see presently , that your Faeces will curdle , become yellowish , and stink ; your Curd being setled , pour away the Liquor , which you may keep to wash your Bedsteds withal , to keep them clean from Punaises : then upon your Curds , throw common Water ; and you shall see them precipitate into a powder of a Saffron-colour . Pour away this first Water , and pour on some more , in great quantity , that you may at once sweeten your powder , and take away from it its ill smell , and its emetick vertue ; then having poured away this last Water , filtrate the residue through a brown Paper , in which let it dry at leisure in the shade .

Obs. 1. That the Faeces of both these Reguluses , do contain a Sulphureous smoot of Antimony , and a fix'd Salt of Niter and Tartar : therefore common Water is easily impregnated therewith by ebullition .

Obs. 2. That the Acid , which you pour upon the said Lexivium filtrated , produces three different effects ; of which the first is , To separate the sulphureous and saltish Smoot , from the common Water , and so it appears in Curds . The second is , To give a gross yellow colour to the Curds and Water . The third is , To make the said Curds and Water stink abominably . It produces the first effect ; because , that the Antimonial Sulphur , dissolved by a saltish and lexivial dissolvant , remains incorporated with him , till you pour in a little of a salinous Precipitant ; which being of a different nature to the dissolvant , it happens that these two Salts , thus mingled , begin to whet one another , and by their action , and re-action , cause an ebullition , evaporation , and dissipation of the sharpest part of the dissolvant . So that growing weak , he is forced to let go his hold , and suffer the body he had seized upon , to fall away to the bottom of the Vessel . The Acid produces the second effect ; because all Acids do enliven , and enlighten colours ; now the colour of Sulphur is yellow , from whence it comes , that this Antimonial Sulphur , which in its dissolution was of a dark yellow , in its precipitation , becomes now of a fine light yellow . Now all salinous Spirits , do vivifie colours , because , they are of a detergent nature , and do cleanse , and take away all the greasie , obscure smoot , which did darken the lustre of the natural colour , as linnen grows white and clean by bucking . The Acid produces the third effect ; because Sulphur , when it is heated , is naturally stinking ; now it is heated by the action of the Precipitant , and re-action of the Dissolvant : This may be observed in the hot waters of Mineral Baths , which stink extreamly of Sulphur ; because a bituminous and a sulphureous spring , happening to joyn with a nitrous , and vitriolous spring , do whet , and heat one another , and so produce the sulphureous smell .

Obs. 3. That if you pour a good quantity of common Water upon these Curds , that presently they are precipitated into a yellow powder ; because , the said Water dissolves all the Salts that remained in the said Curds ; so that then the Antimonial Sulphur , being free from all tyes and bonds , precipitates it self into a powder of a much livelier colour , than that of the Curds : because , now the Sulphur has thrown off the Salts , and appears under its own natural colour of Sulphur .

Obs. 4. That the golden Diaphoretick Sulphur , is nothing but a fix'd Sulphur of Antimony , drawn from the Faeces of Antimony , opened and melted by Niter : for , the volatil Sulphur of Antimony is so much the more venomous , as it is volatil ; and that which is least volatil , is violently vomitive and purgative : but , this being fix'd , is only diaphoretick and opening : and for a proof that the said Diaphoretick Sulphur is but a fix'd Sulphur of Antimony , do but let the said Faeces of the Regulus of Antimony lye two or three days upon the ground , and there will rise of it self , without any Artifice , a kind of a yellow Moss all over your Faeces , which is nothing but the true Sulphur of Antimony purified .

It s Vse and Vertue : It is a powerful Diuretick and Diaphoretick , it serves principally to provoke the Monthly Courses of Women , being taken in the weight of twenty or thirty Grains , either alone , or with Saffron , Savin , and Sene , of each ten or twelve Grains , infusing them twelve hours in White-wine , and so continuing for two or three days together ; to the same end , may be received by a Tunnel , the vapour of the Lexivium of the said Faeces , before their precipitation into Curds . And take notice here , that if the said Powder have not been carefully wash'd and sweetned , that it may chance to purge , and provoke vomit too .

The Diaphoretick Antimony , or the Diaphoretick Mineral .

TAke one pound of Male Antimony , or of the Regule of Antimony , or of the Regulus of Mars , and four pound of pure Salt-peter ; powder them very fine , and searce your Antimony through a Silk Sieve ; then mingle them together , to the end the Niter may well inflame the Antimony ; in the mean time , set a Camion , or great Crucible upon a Round , in a great circulatory Fire ; when your Crucible is red-hot , then with a wooden Ladle , throw in a Ladle full of your matter , cover your Pot to keep in the smoak ; which being past , do as at first , and put in another Ladle full , so continuing , till you have consumed all your matter ; then continue the Fire , taking off the cover from your Crucible , till there come out no more vapours , which will be in half an hours time ; after which , take off your Crucible : for , if you did let it stand any longer , your matter would become a red Liquor , which being cold , would settle in a lump , like the Liver of Antimony , and would have the same Vertues , because the excessive heat would have opened its body a-fresh : then , take out your matter by Ladle-fulls , with a Tin Ladle , and throw it as hot as you can , into a great stone Pan , full of cold Water ; and do not throw it in of a sudden , lest some of the matter should sparkle upon your hands and face ; but dip in your Ladle by little and little ; when you have done all your matter , then wash your hands , and with them stir and break the said matter , precipitated to the bottom , till the Water become as white as Milk , and your matter as small as you can make it . Separate by Inclination the said milky Water from its Faeces , who are a fix'd Niter , undissolvable in Water , and which you may throw away : Let this milky Water stand three or four hours , to the end , that all your white powder may precipitate to the bottom ; then separate by Inclination this Water , which will be good for the Itch : then pour on more Water , and do so , till it come away insipid . Having poured off the last Water , there will remain a kind of white Pap , which put into a Coffin of white Paper , over a glass or earthen Vesica , so all the Water will run into the Vesica , and there will remain a white lump , which you must dry leisurely in the shade , upon the bottom of a Sieve . Being very dry , and in little white brittle pieces , you may keep them so , or powder them , and put them into a glass Vial , well stopped . If you desire to reduce this Magistery into Trochishs , you may do thus . When it is yet Pap , put it into a glass Tunnel , and stop the bottom of it with your finger , till your matter be setled ; then let go your finger , and let your matter drop out , in drops , upon a Marble , and so it will be formed into Trochisks ; dry them in the shade , and not in the Sun : for , the reverberation of its beams , would alter the white colour , which is the beauty of these Remedies : all Magisteries may be trochiskated in the same way , and then must be kept in a glass Vial well stop'd .

Obs. 1. That in this Composition , we make use of Male Antimony , rather than of the Female ; because , being heavier , it is better ; and for the same reason we use the Regulus of Antimony , and rather the Regulus of Mars , because it is already more purified of the venomous part of its volatil substance . Now in this Remedy we do pretend , that all that part of the Antimony which has been opened by the Niter , is absolutely devested of its purgative and emetick substance , that is , of all its volatil Salt , and Sulphur : therefore we ought not to use the Female Antimony , which has more of this volatil substance than the Male. But the Regulus of Antimony is better ; because , as it is devested , as well of a considerable part of its volatil substance , as of its terrestreity , it is fitter to be purified , and entirely refin'd from all its malignous qualities : and yet the Regulus of Mars is best of all ; because , in it the emetick Vertue is already fixed by Mars , incorporated with the Antimony . You must also take notice , That they that seek the Philosophers Stone in Antimony , prefer Mineral Antimony before all others , thinking , that because it has not been melted , it is impregnated with all its vertue ; and therefore ought to be used also in this Operation : but without diving any further in this Well of Democritus , I will only say , That for the use of Physick , Mineral Antimony is the most malignant of all , and it is devested of these ill qualities , only by long and reiterated fusions and evaporations .

Obs. 2. That we use here very fine Niter , because we are not only to open , and melt the Antimony ( for common Niter would do that ) but also so to penetrate the Antimony , as to cause an evaporation of all its volatil , purgative , and emetick substance . Now common Niter cannot do this , because , having a terrestrious substance , and a fix'd Salt in it self , it would not be fit to maintain a long and penetrating fusion .

Obs. 3. That for the same reason we put three times as much Niter upon the said Dosis of Antimony , and for the same reason we keep the Antimony , and the Niter upon the Fire half an hour after their Flagration and Projection , till all the smoak be vanished , and with it , the emetick and purgative qualities , which the Niter had opened , and set loose in the Antimony : but , if after that , you continue your Fire , it will produce the same effect in the Antimony , that the Niter did ; that is , it will discover , and bring forth a new emetick , and purgative vertue , as we see it is done in the Vitrum Antimonii , or glass of Antimony , and yet not be able to make it evaporate : for , that belongs to Niter to do : and by this you will perceive , that one must be a good Artist , that prepares this Remedy well .

Obs. 4. That you must with all the care imaginable , wash , and edulcorate your Magisterie of Antimony , else in stead of being simply Diaphoretick , and opening , it would prove vomitive ; because , that though the volatil part of your Niter has carried away with it all the volatil substance of the Antimony , that it had un-chain'd , and set at liberty , yet the fix'd Salt of the said Niter , remaining in the Antimony , retains some part of the emetick substance ; therefore , it is necessary , by frequent Lotions , to dissolve the said fix'd Salt , and so extract it . And here again , you see the great pains and care that an Artist is at , in preparing of this Remedy , so excellent , and so much used .

Obs. 5. That the Diaphoretick Antimony , is nothing but an Antimony most intimately penetrated , and opened by Niter , and all its emetick and purgative vertues evaporated , and carried away with the said Niter , by a long and great Fire , and then afterwards edulcorated by washing and Lotions .

It s Vse and Vertues : 'T is a powerful Diaphoretick , and an excellent Diuretick , apperitive , and desopilative : it is used with good success against all Venereal Diseases ; as old Gonorrhaea's , being mingled with some Venice Turpentine , that has been brought to the consistence of Colophone , as we shall teach in the Chapter of the Diuretick Pills . It is very good against the Small Pox , in the weight of a Five Shillings piece of Gold , in Water , or Syrup of Cinamon , taking it three days together , to make the small pox come out , and dry ; against all opilations , and tumours of the Spleen , the Pancreas , and the Mesentery ; incorporating it with the Salt of Tamaris , the Mercurius dulcis , the Crocus martis apperitivus , and scummed Honey , as it is here frequently practised with good success .

The Black and Acid Oyl of Antimony .

TAke of Antimony , fine Niter , Brimstone , of each one pound , powder them and mingle them well together ; then fire this mixtion , in the same way , and manner , and in the same Vessels that we taught to make the Spirit of Sulphur in . There will rise a vapour , as red as blood , and there will stick to the sides of the Bell , and of the Pan , and upon the surface of the water , a little skin of the same colour : all your Matter being consumed , take your red flowers and mingle them with your water , which is already impregnated , with the acid Spirit of these three Minerals . Put all this into a glass Matrass , unluted , and let it be but three quarters full . Pose your Matrass on a Round , in a small circulatory Furnace , continuing a gentle fire , till your flowers melt , and go to the bottom , and that there appears no Sulphur swimming upon the Liquor , which will look thick , and of a red dark blackish colour : but take care , that the ebullition be not such , as to run over ; or break your Matrass . 'T is in this case , that one must be a good Artist , and acquire by attention , reason , and experience , a way of Operating surely , and easily . This done , take off your Matrass , and pour out your liquor very hot into a white earthen Pot. When it is cool , separate by inclination the black and acid Oyl , and you will find in the bottom of your Pot a congealed lump of yellow reddish Sulphur , keep the said Oyl in a Glass , well stop'd , and keep your Sulphur to serve you in the making of the Salt of Brimstone .

Obs. 1. That Niter is here used to open the body of Antimony , the Brimstone is employed to fix its emetick quality ; and the Brimstone , if it were not joyned with Niter , would not be able to inflame the Antimony : for the Brimstone being stifled in these vessels , would presently go out , but the Niter once a-fire , though afterwards stifled , yet sets the other combustible bodies that are with it , a-fire also , till they be consumed .

Obs. 2. That the smoak and flowers of this Matter are red , because of the Sulphur of the Antimony , which is redder than ordinary Sulphur , and so communicates its redness to the ordinary Sulphur ; it is not the Niter that gives this colour : for , we see that in the Diaphoretick Antimony , it whitens the Antimony .

Obs. 3. That this Oyl of Antimony is of a blackish red , because of the yellow tincture of Sulphur , mingled with the black tincture of Antimony : and this Oyl is acid , because of the Spirits of Sulphur and Antimony , which both are acid : for , as for the Spirits of Niter , they are all evaporated with the water , in which they were , and the Spirits of Sulphur remain to fix those of Antimony .

Obs. 4. That the black and acid Oyl of Antimony , is but an acid Spirit of Antimony , fixt by the Spirit of Sulphur .

It s Vse and Vertues : 'T is a good diuretick , and desopilative ; it purges gently without provoking vomit : the Dosis is , from three to six drops , in a Glass of a Laxative decoction , or in some broth .

The Butter of Antimony , of which is made the Mercurius vitae , or the Emetick powder , or the powder of Algarot , and the Cinnaber of Antimony .

TAke a good corrosive sublimate , and Male Antimony ( or rather of the Regulus of Antimony ) of each four ounces , powder them , then mingle them , and put them into a glass Retort , luted all over , except in one place towards the top , and then you must leave a gap to look through : fill your Retort quite full , if you will ; for there is no danger of the matters runing out of the Retort in substance ; and besides , a gentle fire will presently distill as much of it , as is desired . Pose your Retort upon a Round , in a small wheel fire , and fit to it a Glass Receiver , there will presently rise a white vapour , which being dissolved , will distill in form of a whitish Oyl , call'd the Oyl of Antimony , and which in the Receiver , congeals to a kind of Butter .

Take great care your fire be not too strong , lest your Mercury revived , should come into the Receiver , and the Cinnaber of Antimony likewise , for that would render your powder yellow , which ought to be white : give then a moderate heat , till by the gap left in your Retort , you perceive all your Matter to be melted into a lump , clear and transparent , like melted Silver ; and then you may be sure , that the Oily substance is distilled , therefore take off your Retort . This done , warm your Recipient so melt the Butter within it , which pour out immediately into a small Glass Retort , unluted , and set it in the same Furnace , with the same degree of heat , fitting a Receiver , and so rectifie this oyl once , for to rectifie it twice , would be to diminish so much of its vertue , that in stead of seven grains for a Dose , you would be forc'd to give fourteen . But observe , That if in either of these distillations any reviv'd Mercury should be raised by too great a fire , and so come into the Receiver : then separate gently , by inclination , the Oyl that swims on the top .

This rectification being done , you must warm again your Receiver , so as to melt the Butter ; and when it is melted , pour it presently into a Glass Bell , full of cold water ; the water will become as white as Milk , stir it a little , and your Butter will precipitate to the bottom , in form of a white powder : as soon as you perceive that , separate by inclination this first water , which we call Pontick , that is , Sea-water , and is Mineral ; for , you must not let this first water , lye long upon your Precipitate , lest this water should contract an aciditie , as great as that of Spirit of Vitriol , and so corrode , dissolve , and diminish a good part of your Precipitate . The Water of this first Lotion , being poured off , pour on presently as much again , and stir your Bell as you did before : then separate by inclination , and continue so doing , till your powder be edulcorated , and your water come away insipid : then filtrate the rest in white Paper , as has been said in the Chapter of the Diaphoretick Antimony . You shall have a very white powder , called the Emetick powder of Algarot ; which keep in a glass , close stopped .

Towards the end of the first distillation , in your luted Retort ; if you have a mind to have the Cinnaber of Antimony , give a violent fire of entire suppression , without any Receiver to your Retort ; continue it , till your Retort be sunk and almost melted . This fire will drive the Mercury to the end , and middle of the neck of your Retort , and when the Operation is done , it will be either revived into Quick-silver , or turned into a gray blackish powder ; there will also be driven to the mouth of the Retort , an Antimonial substance , which at the end of the Operation , will appear in form of a crust , as thick as the back of a Knife , and which outwardly is of a grey colour ; but being pared , is within red , and is called Cinnaber of Antimony . Now in the bottom of this luted Retort , you will find a congealed lump , which is the rest of your Antimony revived : For , in this Operation , there rises but a small portion of your Antimony , to mingle with the corrosive Mercury , and there rises a little more by the violence of the fire , to make this Cinnaber of Antimony ; but the greatest part remains in the Retort revived . Now to see these three substances together , after this violent fire , you must take off your Retort , let it cool , then shake the neck to make the Quick-silver fall out , whether revived , or in a grey Powder ; then break your Retort , to find in the neck the Cinnaber of Antimony , and in the bottom a lump of the said Antimony , melted and revived to its first nature . This done , weigh your Butter of Antimony , and your Mercury , as well that which is revived , as that which is in powder , and you shall see , that all this will weigh a little more than the Corrosive sublimate , which you have made use of in this Operation . Weigh likewise the said Cinnaber of Antimony , and the lump of Antimony revived , and you 'l see , that all this weighs a little less than the Antimony , which you have employed in this Operation ; and that shews , that the said Emetick powder comes partly from the Mercury , and partly from the Antimony .

Obs. 1. That we use here corrosive , not dulcified Mercury ; because , the dulcified having lost its corrosive Salts , would not be able to open the Antimony , and turn it into Oyl : and besides , there would not result out of it an Emetick , because Mercury does provoke vomit , but by its corrosive Salts .

Obs. 2. That we use here the best Antimony , nay the best Regulus , because , being well purified and separated from its Sulphur , and its most malignant salts , there is produced of it a more gentle Emetick ; and therefore it is better and whiter with the Regulus , than with the Male Antimony ; but then , you will have no Cinnaber by augmenting your fire , but only there will stick a Mercurial Chrystalline Salt to the sides of the Retort .

Obs. 3. That the Emetick powder of Algarot , is nothing but a good quantity of Mercury , made volatil by a less quantity of Antimony , by the means of the fire , and the volatil Salts that are in the corrosive sublimate , then devested of the said Salts , and sweetned by Lotions .

The vertue and use of the powder , is known by its name , which speaks it to be a vomitive , and that it performs much more gently , than the Crocus metallorum ; because , the Antimony we employ is purer , and in less quantity ; and because , that the great washings have carried away the venomous Salts . Its Dose in persons grown up , is five Grains ; you may give eight in some Conserve , or the yolk of an Egg , or in any Liquor appropriated .

The Vse and Vertues of the Butter of Antimony : 'T is a powerful Corrosive , it eats away Warts , and burns pocky Cancers in a moment : but , if it be applyed to any nervous part , it causes an inflamation for four and twenty hours : it is excellent for the exfoliation of Bones , and for the Gangrene .

The Vse and Vertues of the Pontick water : It is excellent for Ulcers , Itch , Scabs , the Gangrene ; you may use it in stead of Spirit of Vitriol , by mingling three or four drops in a Julip , in putrid and burning Feavers .

The Vse and Vertues of the Cinnaber of Antimony : It is a great Sudorifick in the Pox. The Dosis is , from eight to fifteen Grains .

Bezoard Mineral .

TAke as much as you will of Butter of Antimony , melt it gently before the Fire , then pour it into a glass Bell , or Cucurbite , set it in a Chimney , lest the vapours , which you must raise , should offend you . Pour upon it some Spirit of Niter , drop by drop , for else the ebullition would be such , and the red vapours so strong , that the matter would run out of the Vessels , and the vapours hurt your Brain . Continue this Injection , till the Mercury and Antimony , which are in form of Butter , be absolutely dissolved by the said Spirit ; which you shall know , by pouring on some new Spirit of Niter : for , if there be no ebullition , nor smoaking , then the dissolution is performed ; you must pour as much Spirit of Niter in weight , as you have used Butter of Antimony ; your dissolution will appear all along of a yellow colour . As soon as it is done , pour upon it , all at once , a quart of Sea-water actually cold ; this Precipitant will presently make all your Liquor of a milky colour , and will precipitate your Butter to the bottom , into a very white powder , if you let it stand ten or twelve hours , to the end your Magistery have more time to precipitate entirely : then separate by inclination your Sea-water , impregnated with the Spirit of Niter , which was the dissolvant , and pour on common Water , till it come away sweet and insipid ; filter the rest through a white Paper , dry your powder , and keep it in a glass Vial well stopped .

Obs. 1. That , if instead of Sea-water , you had made use of common Water for your Precipitation , you would have turn'd your Dissolution into a white Liquor , but you would never have precipitated your powder ; because , that though common Water does much weaken the dissolvant , yet it does not do it so much as Sea-water , which , because of its Salt , contrary to the Salt of Niter , does fight with the said Niter , and in the conflict , causes the sharpest , and most active part of the Niter to evaporate ; and so to forsake its hold , as to let the Butter of Antimony fall , and precipitate to the bottom , in form of a white powder .

Obs. 2. That , that which we call Sea-water , is made thus , Take four ounces of common Salt , boyl it to dissolution in a quart of Water , in a brass Kettle , then filtrate it through the brown Paper .

Obs. 3. That in the great ebullition and effumation , caused by the Spirit of Niter , all the emetick and purgative vertue , which was in the said butter of Antimony , is evaporated , and at last carried away by reiterated Lotions .

Obs. 4. That Bezoard Mineral is nothing else but a Magistery , or Precipitate , compounded of a good quantity of Mercury , and a small quantity of Antimony , both being calcin'd , and opened by the Salts of the corrosive Mercury , then devested of the said Salts , by the Spirit of Niter , so that there remains in this Magistery , no other but a Cordial , Bezoardick , Sudorifick vertue .

It s Vse and Vertue : 'T is an excellent Sudorifick against the Pox , the Scurvy , all putrid and venomous Feavors . The Dose is , from eight to twelve Grains , in some Conserve ; but observe , that if you mingle it with Conserve of Red Roses , it becomes immediately green , for the Reasons that we shall alledge hereafter .

The Calcination , or Calx of Lead .

TAke Lead , beat it into fine thin plates , and take also of powder'd Brimstone as much , lay them stratum super stratum , in a glaz'd Pot , which set upon two Bricks in the Furnace of a great wheel Fire , and half Suppression ; there leave it , till the Brimstone ( which of its self , by the heat of the Pot , will take fire ) be quite out , and have a care you do not let it stand longer , for fear of melting your Lead , and so reducing it to its first metallick consistence ; therefore take off your Pot , and with an Iron Spatula stir your calcin'd matter , to hinder it from getting into a lump ; then take it out , and powder it in a Morter , then searce it in a silken Sieve , till it be reduced to an impalpable powder .

Obs. 1. That we use brimstone to calcine Lead , because nothing but Brimstone will take Fire , all alone , and burn a good while ; Niter would not take fire all alone with Lead , and indeed never is inflamable , but when he is joyned with some combustible Body , as Tartar , Antimony , Charcoal , or Brimstone ; and if we did use here Niter , with some of these Bodies , its flame would be too swift to calcine Lead .

Obs. 2 That we use a vernish'd Pot for this Calcination , because our Calx is of the same Nature with the Lead of the Pot ; and therefore is not in danger of being spoyled : and besides , the vernish will not be corroded by the Sulphur , because it is not a dissolvant powerful enough to corrode a glazing , so dried , and fastned : for , if the Lead which you will calcine , were not beaten into very thin plates , and Sulphur mingled with it , every where , it would hardly be calcin'd .

Obs. 3. That the Calx of Lead thus calcin'd , is nothing but Lead opened , and dissolved by the Spirit , and Salt of Sulphur ; and the said Lead will remain in the nature , of a Calx , but as long as there will be some of the Spirit , and Salt of Sulphur incorporated with it : therefore , if you continue your Fire any time after the Calcination , you will evaporate this Spirit and Salt , and so your Lead , devested of them both , will return to its first metallick Nature .

It s Vse and Vertues : It serves to dry , and cicatrize old Ulcers , when they are cleansed before , and almost fill'd with flesh , by mingling it with some Unguent , as the Diapompholixa , with Hogs grease , reducing it to the consistence of a Plaister . Out of it also is drawn the Salt of Saturn , instead of Lytharge , Ceruse , or Minium .

The sweet Chrystals of Saturn , the sweet Salt of Saturn , not Crystallized .

The Oyl of Saturn , the Magistery , or Precipitate of Saturn .

PUt as much distill'd Vinegar , as you please , into a glazed earthen Pan , set it upon a trefoot , making under a Fire of Coals , and dry Wood , till it begin to simper , and boyl slightly ; then put into it by little and little , as much as you please of Lytharge of Gold , or of Silver powder'd , stirring it continually with a wooden Spatula : after it has boyled a little , take off your Pan , and let your Vinegar which is impregnated with the Lytharge settle a while , then pour off the said Vinegar , while it is warm : this done , pour more Vinegar upon the Lytharge , left in the Pan , boyl it , stir it , separate it , and then put more , doing so till all the Lytharge be gone ; then filtrate your Dissolutions , while they are warm , through a Coffin of brown Paper , over a glass Cucurbit , which set in a Sand-fire , up to the neck in the Sand , and evaporate all your Filtrations , till they become as red as Bloud , and are covered with a little skin , or Pellicule : then pour them out into little white Dishes , and there let them cool ; when they are cold , you shall see that a great part of the Liquor is congealed into Crystals , or white Christalline Needles , as sweet as Sugar to the taste , and as thin as the Needles of Male Antimony : then gently pour out of these same Dishes a red Oyl , with a Sugar of Saturn , left in the bottom un-crystallized : then take out your Crystals , and keep them in a glass Viol well stopped with Cork , else they will fall into a Calx ; and in another Viol keep the said Oyl of Saturn , wh●●h is nothing but the tincture of Saturn , drawn by the Vinegar . If by chance , in evaporating your Dissolutions , you were gone beyond the Pellicule , so as your matter begins to look thick and glutinous , then there would be no crystallizing of it ; and therefore , evaporate it to a driness , to make the Salt of Saturn , not crystallized , or make the Magisterie of Saturn . Which is made thus : Take the said red glutinous Oyl of Saturn , or the Dissolution of Saturn , evaporated to the Pellicule , and pour on three or four ounces of either of them , three or four spoonfuls of Spirit of Sulphur , which presently will cause the Dissolution of Suturn to curdle into white Curds , which by little and little will precipitate to the bottom into a white powder . This done , pour on common water , to take away the acidity , both of the Vinegar and Spirit of Sulphur ; but pour on Water but once , else all your powder would be spent in a second Water ; because , this powder of Saturn , being half calcin'd , is made dissolvable in Water by that little Vinegar , which remains incorporated with it ; separate by Inclination this first Water , and filtrate the rest through a Coffin of white Paper , or make Trochisks of it , through a glass Tunnel , as has been taught in the Chapter of the Diaphoretick Antimony .

Obs. 1. That you must take a glazed earthen Pan , not a Stone , or Glass one ; because there is no fear the Vinegar should corrode the Lead of the Vernish : for having been baked in an Oven , it sticks so fast to the earth , that the Vinegar cannot corrode it , neither if it did , were it amiss , since it is here used but for Saturn ; a stone one would be unfit , for it would fly , and break , and that happens to all vessels ▪ of this Ware , except to Retorts ; for , there the fire circulating equally on all sides , hinders its breaking , which is not the like case in Pans : for , there the bottom only being heated , and the rest cold , they easily break , because of their great driness . For , they are made of one part of a stone powder'd , which is as dry , and as brittle as Glass , and of one part of lean earth , which is not unctuous at all ; a Brass Basin would not be proper ; for the distilled Vinegar would spend its force in extracting the Salt of the Verdigreece , which mingled with that of Saturn , would make it look green .

Ob. 2. That in this Operation we make use of Lytharge rather than of Ceruse , or Minium ; because , the Lytharge , having passed the fire of Coppel , is a more Spongeous open body ; and therefore more penetrable by the distilled Vinegar , and so will yield a greater quantity of Salt and Ceruce , which has a closer body , because it has been opened only by distilled Vinegar , which extracts the Ceruse from the Lead , and for the Minium , though it be Ceruse , made red in a Reverberatory fire ; yet its body is not so open , as the body of Lytharge ; because , it is so re-united , that it is almost recondensed into its Metallick nature .

Obs. 3. That before we put the Lytharge into the Vinegar , we make the said Vinegar boil a little ; to the end , it may the easilier penetrate , and dissolve so much of the Saturn , as it can load it self withal , and we let the said Lytharge boyl but a little time ; because , no more is required for the Vinegar to impregnate it self with Saturn ; and if it should stand any longer on the fire , the evaporation would be begun , which ought not to be , till all your dissolutions are together .

Obs. 4. That we use here distilled Vinegar for a dissolvant ; because , it is not necessary to have a more powerful corrosive to dissolve Lead , which is a soft penetrable Metal ; yet , simple Vinegar would not be so fit , as the distilled ; as well , because it is not so penetrating , as because it is not separated from its flegm : besides , if it were red , it might spoil the white colour of your Crystals , or Magisterie .

Obs. 5. That all your Lytharge is dissolved at last , by reiterated additions of Vinegar ; because , that Lytharge is all Lead , and if there should remain any part of it un-dissolved , it would be , because you have not poured Vinegar enough on .

Obs. 6. That you must stir with a Wooden patule , this dissolution of Saturn , and not with an iron one ; because , the iron would black it , whereas your design is to preserve the whiteness of the Salt , which you are to draw from it ; and iron blacks , as well by its self , as by its Vitriol .

Obs. 7. That all your dissolutions being put together , you must evaporate them to the consumption of three parts , and till there appear a saltish skin , or Pellicule upon the surface of the Liquor ; else they would not congeal into Crystals when cold . For , having too much flegm , that salt Spirit of the Vinegar , which hath dissolved Saturn , remains dissolved its self , in the flegm : but , when by a gentle ebullition , and evaporation of the said flegm , the Salt Spirit remains alone , then it Chrystalises easily in a cold place , since it begins to do it already in a hot one , as you see it does by its Pellicule .

Obs. 8 That we pour this dissolution , thus evaporated , into white ware dishes ; because being warm , it would break a stone , or Glass one , and in an earthen glazed one , the Crystals , because of the glasing , would spoil their whiteness

Obs . 9. That these Crystals are in figure like to needles , and somewhat triangular . Some are small , and those are in the bottom ; others are greater , and those are upon the brims , and have more of a triangular figure : they are white , because they are a Calx , or Philosophick calcination of Saturn , made by a dissolvant , which cannot alter their colour ; and they are in taste a little acid , and very sweet , or sugarins , acid , because of the Vinegar : sweet , because that Lead , being the sweetest of all Metals , has likewise a very sweet Salt , and thus the Salt of Lead is amongst the Salts of Metals the same , that the Salt of the Indian Canes is almost the Salts of vegetables .

Obs. 10. That when you pour two or three spoonfuls of Spirit of Sulphur upon your dissolution , then this acid , being of a contrary nature to the acid of the Vinegar , fights with it , and weakens it so , as to make it lose its hold , and so your Lead presently curdles , and is precipitated into a white powder .

Obs. 11 That the Spirit of Sulphur is fitter for this precipitation , than any other acid , because it makes whiter , sweeter , and more pleasant , not only this , but all Magisteries . The Spirit of Vitriol blacks ; the Oyl of Tarter has an unpleasant taste of Urin ; the Spirit of Salt would be apt to fix with this Magistery ; and the Spirit of Niter is too sharp .

Obs. 12 : That the Crystals of Saturn are nothing but Lead , dissolved and calcin'd Philosophically in distilled Vinegar , then coagulated into Crystals , by the evaporation of the flegm , and part of the sharpest Spirits of the Vinegar , and so yet retaining a good part of the acid of the said Vinegar . And as for the Magistery , it is likewise Lead dissolved , and calcin'd by Vinegar , then evaporated , then precipitated into a white powder , by the Spirit of Sulphur , or some other acid , and at last , devested by lotions of the acid and sharp part of the Vinegar , and the said Spirit of Sulphur .

The Use and Virtue of the dissolution of Saturn , before its evaporation into Crystals , or into the Magistery , is to cool , and appease the pain , and and hardness of Inflamations ; take away redness of the face , and Eresipilae's ; the affected part being washed with lint dip'd in it . This mixtion is of a milky colour ; and therefore is called Virgina's milk . The Crystals and Magistery have the same vertue , to cool and appease the pain , take away redness , soften hardness caused by inflamation , and attenuate and resolve Tumours : for this purpose , you put five or six grains of them , and as much white Vitriol into a Glass of Rose water , and Plantin mingled , and then in it we dip a thin slice of raw Veal , and lay it upon your Eyes inflam'd , and full of pain , and redness . The same water may serve for the redness of the face , and Erisipelas , dipping in it Linnen , and so applying it to the part affected : as for the oyl of Saturn , it may be mingled with some of your cooling unguents , as the Cerat of Gallen , or the unguentum rosatum , or Populeum , to mollifie , soften , and take away the redness of all inflamed parts ; and , if you have not this Oyl , you make use of the Salt of Saturn in its place , for the same end .

The Crocus Martis aperitivus .

TAke of filings of Steel , or Iron , two parts , and of powder'd Brimstone one , mingle them together , and put them into an unglazed Earthen Pot , set it upon two bricks in a Furnace of Reverberation and Suppression , there let it stand , till all the flame of your Brimstone be spent , and after that , give the fire continually for an hour , then take off your pot , break it while it is hot , and presently put the matter into an iron , or Brass Morter , and powder it while it is warm , then spread this powder ( which then will be of a colour of Violets ) upon a Marble , the air will change the colour to brown , then powder it again , and searce it very fine , and keep it in a glass well stopt .

Obs. 1. That we use Brimstone , to open and calcine the body of Steel , or Iron ; but , that we put half as much Brimstone , as Iron ; because , we intend here but a slight calcination : and the more you put , the stronger will be the calcination , and your Mars will be the more aperitive , or opening ; they are powder'd together , that they may the better penetrate one another .

Obs. 2. That this calcination ought not to be done in an earthen glaz'd Pot , lest by the violence of the fire , the Lead of the Vernish should melt , and mingle with your Steel , by the activity and flagration of your Brimstone .

Obs. 3. That you must powder your calcin'd Mars , while it is hot : for , when it is cold , it grows hard , and so would not be so easily reduced to powder . For , even Mars not calcin'd , being actually hot , is soft , and malleable ; and therefore , if calcin'd it is more ; but both , when cold , do fall to their natural hardness .

Obs. 4. That the filings of Steel , or Iron , from black that they were , do become purple by this half calcination , and pulverisation , being impregnated with this colour , by the Brimstone which naturally makes a blew flame ; and at last this Purple colour being exposed to the air , becomes brownish , because the fine Sulphureous part evaporating , leaves your Mars to its natural colour .

Obs. 5. That this Crocus Mortis Aperitivus , or opening Saffron of Mars , is nothing but the filings of Steel or iron , half calcin'd , and opened by the Brimstone . This name of Saffron does not fit it well , except you mean a burnt saffron ; for this powder is not red as Saffron is .

It s Vse and Vertues : It has the same Vertues as the aperitive Saffron of Mars following ; and besides , it serves to make the second Saffron of Mars , and also to make the Christalised Salt of Mars , and the astringent Saffron of Mars .

Another Crocus Martis aperitivus .

TAke the Saffron of Mars , prepared above , put it into a stone Dish or Pan , and pour upon it Spirit of Vitriol , or of Sulphur , to the height of two fingers above your matter , letting it imbibe and impregnate it self for three or four days , then put your matter ( which will be in form of Paste ) into a great Crucible , and fill it up to the brim , to the end , the heat may work more upon it ; set this Crucible upon two Bricks , in a reverberatory Furnace , giving at First and all along for the space of eight hours , the greatest Fire you can ; then take off your Crucible , break it with a Hammer , take out your matter , and while it is hot , powder it in a Brass or Iron Morter ; then let it cool in the Air , upon a Marble , and it will become red as Saffron , searce it , and keep it close , and well stopped .

Obs. 1 That the Spirit of Sulphur , or Vitrial , with which we wet the said Saffron of Mars , which is already aperitive , serves to open it more , and calcine it Philosophically , and that the great Fire does it more perfectly .

Obs. 2 That this second aperitive Saffron of Mars , is nothing but Mars opened by four Keys , viz. By filing and powdering , and then by three calcinations , of which , the first is done by the flagration of the Brimstone ; the second , by the pouring on of the acid Spirit ; and the third , by a Reverberatory Fire of eight hours . Now it becomes opening , because its Salt is set at liberty by these Agents .

It s Vse and Vertues : It is a powerful desopilative ; it serves against the yellow Jaundice , the Green Sickness , it provokes the Courses of Maids and Women , and it opens the Spleen , and Mesentery , taken from half a dragm to two , either in the yolk of an Egg , or in a little Conserve of Roses , or some proper Syrup .

The Infernal Stone .

Take a little Matrass with a straight long neck , let the belly of it be luted half way , put into it two parts of Aqua-fortis , and one of Silver of the purest , cut or beaten into thin long Plates , so that they may go into the neck of the Matrass , and be the easilier dissolved by the Aqua-fortis ; fill but one third part of the belly of your Vessel , set it upon a Round , covered with Sand in the little Wheel-Fire Furnace , giving a small Fire to help the dissolution of the Silver , and to consume the Dissolvant , so as after a gentle boyling , your matter may dry , and change into a black scum , not unlike a Pumice Stone ; then encrease your Fire , to melt this scurn half petrified , and continue your Fire , till the boyling cease , and that there rise no more vapours ; which will be a sign that your matter is in fusion : then without any delay , pour out your matter into little Brass , or Iron Moulds , prepared on purpose : for , if you delay the pouring of it out , or if you let it cool in the Matrass , off from the Fire , your matter will be reduced to a white powder , which is the Calx of the Moon , that is , of Silver : and this will thus come to pass , by the almost total consumption of your Aqua-fortis ; and therefore , it is necessary to retain some of it in the said calcined Silver ; to the end , it may keep the consistence of a Stone : if to this Calx of silver , you give a violent Fire , and add to it half a spoonful of Borax , it will return to its first metallick Nature , and appear like Silver in hardness and consistence ; because , that the great Fire , and the Borax together , carry away even the least drop of Aqua-fortis which did keep the said Silver in the nature and consistence of a Calx .

Obs. 1. That the Matrass which we use here , must be but little , because we do not ordinarily prepare much of this at a time ; then your Fire being small , the matter cannot run out , particularly , where you leave two thirds of your Vessel empty . The Matrass must have a long strait neck , for the greater convenience in pouring out your matter into its Moulds . This Matrass must also be of a strong Glass , such as comes from Lorrain ; and besides , must be luted in its bottom half way , lest a naked Fire , drying up the matter , should break the Glass .

Obs. 2. That we use here a double quantity of Aqua-fortis to the Silver ; not that it is necessary to double the Dose of the Agent , to dissolve the Patient ; but , because we desire to make the greater quantity of this Infernal Stone , which will be softer and less black ; for Silver may be certainly dissolved , with an equal Dose of Aqua-fortis : and in this case , the Stone would be harder and blacker , and in less quantity : It contains not so much Salt , is sooner consumed , and the Aqua-fortis has not had time to calcine the Silver throughly , from whence the Calx remains blacker , harder , and heavier ; which you will easily perceive , if you take notice , that the same thing happens in the making of the ordinary Lime ; for , there you shall see some stones , that have not been well calcin'd , look black , be hard , heavy , and crumble less , than the others that have been well calcin'd .

Obs. 3. That we may make this Infernal Stone of Niter , instead of Aqua-fortis , and then it will be whitish , and less caustick , and instead of blacking the Skin , and Teeth , which it touches , it will only make them look yellow ; because , it is the Vitriol that blacks in the Aqua-fortis , and whets the corrosive virtue of Niter ; and take notice here , that none of the other acids , and corrosives can corrode Silver , nor by consequence , serve in this Composition .

Obs. 4. That to make a good Infernal Stone either white , greyish , or black , you must use Coppel Silver ; for , if you make it with Silver , where there is a mixtion of Copper , your Stone will be green , and soft , will easily melt of it self ; from whence you may conclude , that there is no making of it with Lead , or Tin , which yet are softer than Brass ; and as for Iron , it can never be dissolved , and brought into a potable Liquor , because of its great driness and terrestreity . And as for Gold , you may easily make of it an Infernal Stone , of the same vertue , by dissolving it in excellent Aqua-fortis , or in Spirit of Salt , whet by Salt decrepitated ; but then , you would have your Labour for your pains , for Coppel-Gold , or Leaf-Gold , is too dear . And as for the Marcassites or half Metals , they are not fit for this Operation , because that their dissolution evaporated , and reduced to a Calx , cannot keep in consistence of a Stone , but remains in powder .

Obs. 5. That to give to the Infernal Stone , that firm compact consistence , which is necessary for it , to be of use , it is not enough to dry your dissolution , with a moderate heat , to the consistence a scum half petrified , but you must , when you are gone so far , encrease your fire , and melt the said scum , then in the same instant , pour out your matter : for , if you let it cool in the Matrass , the rest of the Aqua-fortis would evaporate in the cooling , and so there not remaining enough to corporifie the said Calx , it would fall into a powder , which would be the Calx of the Moon .

Obs. 6. That to make little Moulds of Lattin , you must hold it a little time over the fire , then it will be maniable and flexible , and not apt to break , then cut off a piece , and roll it about a stick as thick as a quill , and as long as your finger , and so tye it close , remembring to turn up the bottom , so as nothing may go through : then daub it with our Lute , letting it dry ; then when you will use it , take out the stick , and in its place pour your matter , which will be condensed into petrified Cylenders ; which you will easily get out , by taking away the Lute , and cutting the thread that ties your Mould together .

Obs. 7. That the Infernal Stone , is nothing but a little Coppel-Silver , dissolv'd and calcin'd Philosophically by Aqua-fortis , then coagulated by the evaporation of the greatest part of the said Water ; and at last petrified by the fusion of the said coagulated matter , which has retained enough of the Aqua-fortis , to be in the consistence of a Stone .

It s Vse and Vertues : It is a gentle and pleasant Escarotick , it consumes by touching all Warts , proud Flesh , Cancers , Ulcers , and red Spots ; if you wet with a little Water the said Warts and Spots . It appeases the pain of the Teeth , using it as has been said , upon the part of that Skin , and Cartilage , that makes the hollow of the Ear : the crumbs of this Stone powdered , and incorporated with a Suppurative , consume likewise ill Flesh , rotten in Ulcers . It serves likewise to dye the Beard black , if you put the weight of two or three grains of it into a spoonful of Water , distilled from the green shells of Walnuts ; then with a pencel , or some such thing , pass it over your hair three or four times , observing to hold between it and your skin , a little Comb ; for else this Water fails not to black the skin , wherever it touches ; and that because of the Vitriol that is in the Aqua-fortis : and if sometimes the hair grow green , it is because there has been dissolved in the Aqua-fortis Silver , mingled with Copper , in stead of pure Coppel-Silver .

Cauteries .

PUt a pound of Quick-lime into a stone Pan , pour upon it by spoonfuls about four ounces of common cold Water , not all at once , but by little and little , that so you may gently , and without smoak , slack it , and so retain a good part of its volatile and fusible Salts , which will contribute very much to the fusion of the matter of your Cauteries ; and so make them fitter to be moulded into any shape . And besides , it will make them more caustick ; for , all volatile Salts are more caustick than fix'd ones . Your Lime being well slack'd , and in the consistence of paste , pour at once upon it as much Water as will reduce it to the consistence of thin Pap , and then put to it immediately two pound of good gravell'd Ashes heat red-hot before-hand , for an hour , in a reverberatory Furnace , and in an unglazed Pot : but , you must put them in by spoonfuls , as hot as possibly you can , as we have already taught , in the making of the Diaphoretick Antimony . This done , pour upon this matter , about four quarts of Water , which is as much as is requisite to dissolve all these Salts , and so let it stand twelve hours , to the end your Water may be well impregnated ; and thus you will have a Lixivium : which you must separate by Inclination from its Faeces , into a copper Basin , which by reason of its Vedigreece , will whet your Cauteries more and more , and make them look blewish . Set this Basin on a gentle Fire , and evaporate your Lixivium , till it be dry , and have the consistence of a grey Salt . If then you desire to use them , as they are in a lump , and without shape , take off your Basin , and take out your Cauteries by pieces , and keep them in Glass Vials well stopp'd : if you will have them well shap'd , then when your Lixivium is dried to the consistence of a grey Salt , encrease your Fire , and melt the said Salt , and when it is melted into a blew Liquor , then with an Iron Spatula red-hot ( else the Salts would presently congeal , and stick to it ) take up as much as you please , and let your lump fall by drops , upon a cold Marble , there they will be shaped like half Beads ; when they are cold , take them off with a knife , and keep them in glass Vials , well stopp'd with Cork , to keep the Air from them . Continue this , till you have shaped all your matter , and that the remaining become black , and dry , upon which , if you pour some of your Lixivium , which you must have preserv'd on purpose , it will dissolve , and be fit to be moulded as the rest . At last , if there remain , as there will , some black dry matter , you may wash your Basin clean , and throw that away .

Obs. 1. That Lime contains two Salts ; one fix , and the other Volatile : the fix is dissolv'd in the Water which slacks the Lime ; the volatil evoporates in the smoak , and boyling , with this distinction , That if you pour upon it at first all your Water , and so cause a huge ebullition , and smoking , then all the volatil Salt flies away ; but if you slack it by little and little , pouring only some spoonfuls at a time , then there being but a gentle ebullition , and gentle smoak , the volatil Salts are but weakned , and so do dissolve in the Water . Now when you make Lime-water , to serve to the making of the Phagedenick Water ; there it is not necessary to slack your Lime so gently , because it suffices , if you retain the fix'd Salt , that so it may be able to dry and consume putrid Ulcers ; but when you make the Lime-water to serve to the making of Cauteries , then you must strive to keep in the Volatil Salt ; because it is the Volatil Salt , that makes the fix'd Salt , of both Lime and Ashes , to be fusible : and therefore , if you will shape your Cauteries , and make them more Caustick , you must retain the volatil Salt .

Obs. 2. That gravell'd Ashes are a Calx , proceeding from the Calcination of the Lees of Wine and old pieces of Casks , which ordinarily are of Oak , so that this Calx contains the Salt of the Lees of Wine , and the Ashes of the said Casks of Oak : the best sort , is that which is blue , and well dried ; and you may easily perceive , that it is a Vegetable Salt , and indeed nothing but Tartar calcin'd , or a Salt of Tartar . Now this Salt is fusible , as it has been said : besides , we heat it red hot , and throw it into this Lime-pap , there to dissolve . Heretofore we made use of Ashes of common Wood , of Cabbage , and Bean-stalks ; and we may use it still , but this does as well , and is to be had easily at Paris .

Obs. 3. That in this Operation , we use no 〈◊〉 of glazed Earth , lest the Salts of Lime and Ashes should corrode the Lead , and so dull their point , and activity , to no purpose , which they are to preserve to cauterize therewith the places , they are applied to ; nay , if you do but evaporate your Cauteries in a vernish'd Pan , they will lose much of their force .

Obs. 4. That these Cauteries are nothing , but a Salt composed of the fix , and volatil Salts of Quick-lime , and gravell'd Ashes ; which having been dissolved in common water , have by evaporation been coagulated in a moderate heat , then having been melted by a greater heat , have been coagulated by cold upon a Marble .

It s Vse and Vertues : The name shews its caustick escarotick vertues ; this kind of Cautery produces its effect in a small time , and yet gently enough , it is always dry , if it be kept well stopp'd in a glass Vial ; but , if it be too dry , it cannot dissolve upon the skin : therefore , while you prepare all things for its application , put it to soak in a spoonful of water .

The Magistery or Precipitate of Bismuth .

SEt a Cucurbit Glass , Bell , or Head , upon any thing within a Chimney , that so the infectious vapours may not poyson the room , and offend by their stench the Artist , and Spectators : put into your Vessel four ounces of Bismuth , well powdered in a Brass Mortar , pour upon it one or two spoonfuls of Spirit of Nitar , which presently will produce an ebullition , and a stinking infectious smoak ; when they are past , pour on again a like quantity of Spirit of Niter , which will cause the same effect ; continue this till you have spent eight ounces of Spirit of Niter : if you pour on too much at a time , your ebullition will be so violent , that all your matter will run over your Vessel , and be lost , and the smoak will be so thick , that by its stinking red vapours , it will go near to do you some mischief . When you have thus spent all your Spirit of Niter ; though after the last Projection , all your Bismuth be not dissolved , and devour'd by the said Spirit , nevertheless , separate by inclination , your dissolution , while it is warm , from that part of the Bismuth , which remains undissolv'd in the bottom of your Vessel , and you must pour this Dissolution into a precipitatory Vessel of Glass , or white-ware ; and there it will be congealed into a thousand little transparent white Cristals .

In the mean time , pour by little and little , and at divers times , some new Spirit upon the Bismuth left in your vessel , to the end , you may dissolve all the pure and good Bismuth that is left in this lump ; for , there will remain at last a few black Faeces , which cannot be dissolved . Separate by inclination this second Dissolution in another Glass , or white-ware Vessel , and there let it Crystallize as the former : then take all your Crystals , and mingle them together in a Glass Bell , and there melt them with a gentle heat , and when they are melted , pour upon them a quart of Sea-water actually cold , which will precipitate them into a white Curd , which Curd , will by little and little dissolve into a white powder : then separate by inclination this first Water , pour on more , and so continue till your powder be entirely sweetned ; nay , do it three or four times after that your water comes away insipid ; for , if there did remain the least Acrimony in this powder , it would wrinkle the Face , which it ought to whiten : filtrate this powder through a white Paper , and let it dry upon the said Paper in the shade , taking care to cover it , lest the dust should come at it ; and do not dry it by the Fires side , or in the Sun-beams ; for then it would return to brown-blackish colour . When it is very dry , put it into a glass Vial , well stopped , and you have the true Magistery , or precipitate of of Bismuth .

Obs. That Bismuth is a kind of Marcassite of Silver ; and that therefore it is almost as good as Silver , to make by its calcination a good Fucus , or Cosmetick : for , it is certain , that the Precipitate of Silver , made in the same way as this , does much excel the Precipitate of Bismuth .

Obs. 2. That to make the Dissolution of Bismuth in Spirit of Niter , you must take a Vessel very broad towards the top , and therefore a glass Bell is the fittest , to the end , that the venemous vapours , that rise out of the matter , may the sooner and the easilier be gone ; therefore in a Matrass , these vapours being streightned , would re-impregnate themselves , and make your matter yellow , instead of white . Then your vessel must be Glass , or White-ware ; for , in an earthen glaz'd Vessel , your powder would grow black , because it would dissolve the Lead of the Vernish , and a stone , or unglazed one , be less fit , because the Spirit of Niter might lose , and insinuate it self in the pores of the said Earth .

Obs. 3. That though Aqua-fortis can dissolve Bismuth , yet we use it not ; because , by its Vitriol the Calx of the Bismuth would be so blacked , as to be useless in the design of whitening the skin .

Obs. 4. That your dissolution being poured into a glass , or white ware vessel , does there congeal into a thousand little white Chrystals , transparent and saltish , because that the Spirit of Niter being loaden with the quantity of a Metalick body , Christallises as Metals use to do , after their dissolution . These Crystals are white , because that the Bismuth is as white as Silver , and they melt by a gentle fire , because they were congealed by cold .

Obs. 5. That Sea water does precipitate dissolved Bismuth in a white curd , and white powder , because that the Sea-salt which makes the Sea-water , being contrary to the Salt which makes the Spirit of Niter , attakes and fights with it , and so the Niter being weakned , because , that in this conflict its sharpest part evaporates away , le ts go the Bismuth , which it had seized upon , and immediately the said Bismuth falls into a white curd and powder . 'T is true , that the common water by moistening the Spirit of Niter , does much weaken it ; but , if in this water there had not been some Sea-salt ; the Calx of Bismuth would never have been well separated from its dissolvant , neither would it have been precipitated to the bottom of the Vessel .

Obs. 6. That you must dry this Magistery in the shade by little and little , and not in haste , or by the fire side , or in the Sun-beams , lest it recover its brown dark colour ; for the actual heat , either of the Fire , or the Sun , would revive in it a black burned Sulphur , which sticks to the surface of this remedy : from whence , Ladies that use it may learn , that they must by a double reason keep it in the shade , as well to conserve their own natural beauty , as the artificial beauty which they borrow from this Magistery .

Obs. 7. That the Precipitate or Magistery of Bismuth , is nothing but a Calx of Bismuth calcin'd Philosophically by the Spirit of Niter , and then precipitated by the contrariety of the Sea-water , and sweetned by reiterated Lotions .

It s Vse and Vertues : It is in Physick an excellent desicative for Ulcers , as well as the Magistery of Saturn , and it is likewise a most excellent Cosmetick or Fucus , to make the face and hands white and fair , either by rubbing them with the powder alone , which insinuates its self into the pores of the skin , or else by applying a Pomatum made of one dragm of the said precipitate , and two dragms of Vnguentum Pomatum , which you may prepare if you will , with one ounce of white Virgin Wax , and four ounces of Oyl of sweet Almonds , or Acorns , or of Beans , or of the four cold seeds .

The Spirit , Oyl , and Extract of Guaiacum .

TAke a great Stone Retort ; lute it every where up to half its neck , lest it should break towards the end of the Operation : fill it up to the neck with Guaiacum , cut either into pieces , or shavings ; place it upon the hollow part of the cover of an Earthen Pot , full of ashes , which must be set upon the two Iron Barrs that are in a small Reverberatory Furnace , lute and stop the gap of the Furnace which is above the neck of the Retort , till you have made it even with the top of the Furnace , then fit to the neck of your Retort , a great Glass Receiver , or an Earthen one , if you will , or a great Pitcher which is easilier made clean ; because you may put your hand into it even to the bottom ; lute the said Recipient to the Retort , cover the Furnace with its top , that is , an Earthen Pan turned the inside downwards , and with a hole in its middle , big enough to pass an Egg through , or else with two or three rounds of Bricks , as has been described in the great Reverberatory Furnace : then put some lighted Coals into your Furnace , and give your fire by degrees , adding to it after a little while three or four Faggot-sticks yet have a care you do not over-heat your Vessel , lest your Receiver break by the violence of the vapours which also may lose themselves through the luted conjunction of both the Vessels : the true mark of a fit heat will be , if you can endure to lay your hand a pretty while upon the Receiver , this distillation is to last eighteen or twenty hours without interruption ; the Spirit , comes first alone , and in a Glass Receiver appears in the form of white vapours : then the Oyl , with the rest of the Spirits , comes forth in the same form also , and does dissolve into a brown blackish liquor , which goes to the bottom of the Receiver : for all Spirits , and all Oyls , do distil in forms of white vapours , except Spirit of Niter , and Aqua-fortis made with Niter , which therefore are called the flying Dragon , as well because of their redness , as of their malignity . The mark , that the distillation is ended , will be , if your Receiver be cold , though there be an excessive heat in the Furnace ; for , that is a sign that there comes nothing more into the Receiver . When all is cool , then unlute the Receiver , by wetting the lute with a wet cloath , and pour out your Oyl and Spirit of Guaiac together , into a glass Tunnel , and by one of these two ways , separate the Spirit from the Oyl . First , take a glass Tunnel , which hold with one hand , and with a finger of the same hand stop its lower orifice , then pour in your Liquor ; the Oyl will presently go to the bottom , the Spirit will swim above , and upon the surface of the Spirit will swim some black drops of Volatil Oyl of Guaiac : Then set a glass Vial under the neck of your Tunnel , and let go half your finger which stops the said orifice , and so the Oyl will pass into your Viol , and when you see that it is almost all passed , then stop the orifice again with your finger , and pour the flegm or Spirit into another Vial. Do thus by all the spirit , and Oyl , you have in your Receiver , but by this way you will never separate the Oyl from the flegm so well , but there will be some in it still . Therefore use this second method which will do it entirely and infallibly .

Take a Coffin of brown Paper , wet it with common water , or with Spirit of Guaiacum , if you have any , place it upon a Glass Tunnel , and pour into it the Oyl and the spirit together ; the Spirit being watrish will pass , and filtrate through the said Coffin of Paper , and the Oyl will remain ; which afterwards you may easily convey into another Vial , by breaking the bottom of your Paper Coffin with a little stick ; if you do not wet throughly the said Coffin of Paper before you pour into it the Oyl and Spirit , the Oyl will stick to the Paper , and hinder the filtration of the flegm : If your Oyl do not come kindly out of your Receiver , because it may be it is cold , and so condensed ; present your Receiver to the fire to dissolve ; your Oyl will be black and stinking , as the Oyl of Jet , and your spirit will be of a brown colour . Out of one pound of Guaiacum , you 'l draw about one ounce and a half of Oyl , and ten ounces of Spirit : and there will remain about four ounces of Coals in your Retort : you may kindle this Coal , and burn it to ashes , and of these ashes make a Lixivium , and out of this Lixivium draw the Salt of Guaiacum , to the same uses and purposes , as the Oyl and Extract .

If you desire to have a Spirit of Guaiacum , purified from the greatest part of its flegm , and corrected of its stench , you must rectifie it in a stone Cucurbite , or glazed one , with a glass head in a Sand furnace , the insipid flegm will come first , that you may throw away ; then the Spirit will come very acid , which keep , for those uses which we shall speak of anon .

To make the Extract of Guaiacum , put some Oyl of Guaiacum , to evaporate and thicken into the form of an Extract , into a Cup or a Sand-fire or else draw the tincture of the Oyl of Guaiacum , with Spirit of Wine , and so evaporate it to the consistence of an Extract .

Obs. 1. That for this Distillation , we use a stone Retort , because it is not necessary to use a glass one , which would be dearer , and the Spirit is not corrosive enough to corrode this Stone-Metal , as the Spirits of Niter , Salt , or Vitriol would do ; besides , that the necks of your glass Retorts are so narrow , that the chips of Guaiacum can hardly be got into them .

Obs. 2. That if you use pieces of the heart of the Wood , which are hardest , and by consequent fuller of Oyl , you will obtain more Oyl , than from the shaving ; and there is no danger in filling the belly of your Retort with them , because it is not a body apt to swell and run over .

Obs. 3. That Guaiacum yields a good deal of Oyl and Spirit , because it is full of Sulphur , and Mercury ; the Wood yields better than the Bark , and the Wood in little pieces , yields more than in shavings , or great cuts ; for , by their thickness , they retain more of Sulphur and Mercury . This Oyl and Spirit are very Salt , and therefore the Wood is heavie , for the Salts give the heaviness to Mixtes . The Oyl is black and foetid , because it has been distilled in a naked Fire , without any intermedium ; and it is heavie , because of its Salt ; as also sharp , for the same reason . The Heart of the Wood yields more Oyl , than that part which is near the Bark ; which you may perceive by the eye , for the heart is blackish , and the other is yellowish , like Box , which is the European Guaiacum .

It s Vse and Vertues : The Spirit is somewhat drying and detersive ; it is excellent for Burnings and old Ulcers , washing them with some Lint dipped in it ; besides , if you put five or six drops of it in a bottle of Sudorifick Decoction , it will work a greater effect , than if there were a great quantity of Guaiacum in the said Decoction ; because , this Spirit has the force of the Guaiacum , and besides , much more activity , and penetration , by the tenuity of its Spirituous substance .

The Oyl of Guaiacum is very drying , detersive , and cleansing ; it therefore cures rarely well old putrid hard Ulcers , the Gangrene , and the Caries , or Rot of the Bones . Besides , you may give by the Mouth two or three drops of it in a spoonful of Cinamon Water , for a windy , or bilious Colick .

The Extract of Guaiacum is very drying , and Sudorifick , and it is given in form of Pils , for Veneral Diseases .

The Spirit of Box. The Oyl of Ash , &c.

THe Spirit and Oyl of the Wood of Box , of the Wood and Bark of Ash , as likewise of all other Woods , and Aromatick Barks , are drawn in the same way , as the Spirit and Oyl of Guaiacum .

The Wood of Box yields more Spirits a great deal , than the Wood of Guaiacum ; but it yields so inconsiderable a proportion of Oyl , that out of four pound of Wood , you will have but one ounce of Oyl , though four pound of Spirit of Flegm ; because this Wood is fuller of Sulphur than Guaicum , but is not so heavie , nor so Salt .

It s Spirit has almost the same vertues , as the Spirit of Guaiacum ; the Oyl likewise has the same vertues , with the Oyl of Guaiacum , but is most particularly excellent for all Contusions , Ulcers , pain , and rottenness of the Teeth .

The Wood of Ash , yields about as much Spirit and Oyl , as Box ; its Bark yields but little Spirit , and no Oyl at all .

It s Spirit is an excellent topical Remedy for deafness , and tingling of the Ears , because it does incide , and resolve the humours , and flatuosities which lie in the Meatus auditorius , and in the first concavity of the Ear.

It s Oyl is also most excellent for the Rot , or Caries of the Bones , and for the pain of the Teeth ; it appeases the pain of the Kidneys , and Spleen , if the said parts be anointed with it .

The stinking , or foetide Oyl of Cloves .

TAke Cloves , whose tincture has been already extracted by Spirit of Wine , ( for it would be ill Husbandry to use others , and so lose their Aromatick tincture ; particularly , since when , they have yielded their tincture , they are never the worse for this Operation ) put what quantity you please of them , into a glass Retort , well luted , place it upon a Round hollow earthen Pan , in the Furnace of a great circulatory Fire , fitting to it a great glass Receiver ; give at first a very strong violent Fire , and continue it till there appear no more vapours in the Receiver : these vapours are white , and do turn into black caustick , stinking Oyl . Out of one pound of Cloves , you may have about two ounces of Oyl , and eight ounces of Flegm .

Obs. 1. That we use here a glass Retort luted , because that stone Retorts are too big for the small quantity of Cloves , which is ordinarily us'd in this process .

Obs. 2. That you need not care , if you fill your Retort with Cloves , because they do not swell no more than Woods , or Barks ; you may also fill it half full .

Obs. 3. That Cloves contain much Sulphur , and sharp Salt , from whence it comes that they yield much Oyl , and that very sharp and caustick .

It s Vse and Vertues : This Oyl being very sharp , and biting , is most excellent for Ulcers in the Pox , and all other putrid and venemous ones ; as also it is good to exfoliate , or open the superficies of rotten Bones , and for the Gangrene .

It s Spirit is acid , and very good in Tettars , or Ring-worms .

The Oyl of Jet .

TAke some pieces of Jet , put them into a glass Retort well luted , filling it up to the neck ; place it upon a Round hollow earthen Pan , in a circulatory Fire , and fit to it a great Receiver , which lute well to the neck of the Retort , give at first a small circulary Fire , then the great circulary Fire , and then a Fire of Suppression ; there will appear in the Receiver , an abundance of white vapours , which will dissolve into Spirit and Oyl . This Operation must last ten or twelve hours , with a continual Fire , and four pound of Jet in your Retort : out of one pound , you will have about two ounces of Oyl , and ten of Spirit . Separate by a glass Tunnel the Oyl , that goes to the bottom , from the Spirit , which will swim above , and keep them apart in two glass Vials ; upon the Spirit you will perceive swimming , divers thick drops of Volatil Oyl of Jet , which you may leave with the said Spirit .

Obs. 1. That we use here a Glass Retort luted for the same reason alledged in the Chapter of the Oyl of Cloves .

Obs. 2. That we fill the Retort without any intermedium , because Jet is a dry substance , which does not swell , no more than other Woods and Roots .

Obs. 3. That Jet is a Rocky Stone , which is drawn in great quantities out of some Quarrys near Tholous in France ; and this Stone is very bituminous , having much Sulphur , a good deal of Salt , and very little flegm ; from whence it proceeds , that it yields a good deal of Oyl , moderately sharp , and heavy .

It s Vse and Vertues : The Oyl is most excellent for the suffocations of the Matrix ; because of its extraordinary ill smell , being much more stinking than the Oyl of Guaiac , or Karabe , it serves also to dissolve all bruises , and contusions of the feet , proceeding from walking too much , the flegm has the same , but less vertue than the Oyl .

The Oyl of Mirrha and other Gums .

TAke a glass Retort well luted , fill it half full of Mirrha , broken into lumps , place it in the Furnace of a circulatory fire . Fit to it a great Receiver of Glass , and give the fire by degrees , there will rise an abundance of white vapours , which in the Receiver will dissolve into a flegm , and an Oyl : this Operation will last five or six hours : Out of one pound of Mirrha , you will have seven or eight ounces of Oyl , and five or six of flegm , separate by a Glass Tunnel the Oyl from the flegm .

Obs. 1. That we use here a Glass Retort well luted , for the reasons alledged in the distillation of the stinking Oyl of Cloves .

Obs. 2. That we fill the Retort but half full , because that the Myrrha does swell a little being heated , and so if the Retort were full , might run over in substance : yet because it is a rosinous dry Gum , it is not necessary to give it any intermedium .

Obs. 3. That Mirrha is a Gumme Rosin , having much Salt , Sulphur , and flegm , and therefore yields a good deal of Oyl , which is very bitter and heavy , as also a great deal of flegm .

It s Vse and Vertues : This Oyl is very detersive , because of its great bitterness , and therefore serves to ripen and Suppurate wounds , being mingled with the ordinary digestive : it hinders the Gangrene , being mingled with the Aegyptiac , or other like unguent : it stinks extremely , and therefore being smelt to , helps the suffocations of the Matrix .

The Oyls of Mastick , Oblibanum , Storax , Benjamin , and all other Gumms , except Camphire , are made in the same way and method , and without intermedium , as the Oyl of Myrrha .

The Oyl of Bricks , or of the Philosophers .

PUt five pound of powder'd Brick into a Glass Retort well luted , then pour into it one pound of Oyl of Olives , either with a Tunnel or a Paper Coffin , in case the neck of your Retort be so straight , that you cannot pour into it otherwise without spilling . Do not fill above two parts of your Retort , left the oyl in boyling should run out in its proper substance , and carry the Brick along with it , before it distill . Place your Retort upon a Round hollow Earthen Pan , in a circulary fire , and fit to it a Receiver . Give the Fire by little and little , and have a care you do not put your Coals near the Retort before the flegm be entirely distilled off , which you will know when you shall hear that your matter makes no more noise in the Retort : then encrease the fire , and lay your kindled Coals near the Retort , and at last give a fire of suppression , by covering your Retort , with kindled live Coals . There will come two Oyls , one red , and the other black and stinking , the distillation ought to be performed drop by drop , and besides these drops there come fumes , that is a sign that the fire is too strong , therefore lessen it . This distillation will last four or five hours : out of one pound of Oyl of Olives , and five pound of Bricks , you will have about four ounces of Oyl , and half an ounce of flegm ; separate by a glass Tunnel , the flegm that will go to the bottom , from the Oyl which swims upon the top : if you rectifie this Oyl in a little glass Retort in a sand-fire , it will become yellowish and less stinking .

Obs. 1. That we use a glass , and not a stone Retort , because the Oyl would penetrate the last , and cannot penetrate the first .

Obs. 2. That we give an intermedium to the Oyl of Olives , because it can never be distilled alone and would sooner break the Retort , than distill : and this intermedium , is rather powderd Brick then any thing else ; because it being a spongious porous substance , it is sooner imbib'd , and then having little flegm , because it has been baked , it is fitter for this Operation , where much flegm would be prejudicial , and would go near to break the Retort by its combat with Oyl . Some quench pieces of Bricks red hot in Oyl , then powder and distill them , but they have a very small quantity of Oyl , and yet they must use a great Retort , and a great Reverberatory fire .

Obs. 3. That the Oyl of Bricks is nothing bu● Oyl of Olives distilled , having acquired by distillation a Tenuity and Thinness of substance , which makes it very penetrative , and warming , and also very stinking ; the Brick communicates no vertue to it , and is only an intermedium .

It s Vse and Vertues : This Oyl is very penetrating , inciding , and resolving , and therefore is most Soveraign for the pains and swellings that come from cold humours , as in the Sciatica , and also for contusions and blows .

The Oyl of yellow Wax .

TAke five parts of Clay , or powder'd Bricks , put them into an Earthen glazed Pan , and pour upon them one part of yellow Wax , melted : incorporate them well together , and make little Balls and Cylinders to put easily into a glass Retort well luted : fill it up to the neck , place it upon a round hollow Earthen Pan , in a circulary Fire , fit , and lute to it a Receiver , give the fire by degrees , as in the Oyl of Bricks , your matter being once hot , the flegm begins to boyl , and make a noise and comes out first in form of a white Vapour , then the Oyl also in the same form of white vapours , which are condensed into a very red stinking Oyl , which when cold , congeals into butter as yellow as Gold : This Operation will last four or five hours . For , a pound of Wax , out of which you will have fourteen ounces of Oyl or Butter , and half an ounce of flegm . If you rectifie this Oyl divers times in a little glass Retort by a sand fire , it will become as white , and as clear , as whites of Eggs , and will not stink so much .

Observe , That there are no other observations to be made upon this process , than what has been already observed in the making of the Oyl of Bricks .

It s Use and Vertues are likewise the same ; but besides , it is most excellent for the clefts of the Breasts in women .

The Oyl of Yolks of Eggs.

PUt twenty or thirty Eggs into a Kettle of cold water , set your Kettle upon the fire and boyl your Eggs till they be hard , then scale them , and take out the Yolks ; put all these Yolks together into a frying-Pan , which set upon a Trevet , and make a good flaming fire under the Pan , then , crumble all your yolks with an Iron Spoon , and so turn them now and then , continue thus doing , till almost all your yolks be reduced to a black Oyl , and that there remains but a few burnt black Faeces ; pour this Oyl , into a little Earthen Pot , keeping with your spoon the Faeces from going in with it ; this Oyl does not congeal , because it has been drawn with a great Fire , and you may use it without any other preparation ; but , if you desire to have it clearer , and more penetrating , then rectifie it in a glass Retort in a sand-fire : it will become as yellow , as Gold , and will congeal like Butter . If you rectifie it in a naked fire , it will not be so yellow , but it will congeal a little , for by both of these rectifications by a gentle heat , the stinking Sulphur remains in the Retort , and if was this Sulphur that made it stink , and kept it from congealing , which is proved by this following experience , which is another way of clarifying the said Oyl , viz. Put the said Oyl into a double Matrass , for a month , over a gentle fire , or in a Lamp Furnace , or ashes , or in Horse-dung , the Oyl will clarifie its self most perfectly ; because it s Faeces will go to the bottom ; and then you may easily separate the clarified Oyl from its Faeces .

Obs. 1. That if you put your Eggs into the water when it boyles , that they will scarce be hard enough , and therefore will not be fit to yield their Oyl , beeause they retain while they are not hard , somthing of a superfluous humidity , and in the Pan they would crackle and sparkle , and hardly afford any Oyl .

Obs. 2. That this Oyl , though when it comes from the Pan , be blackish , has not nevertheless any ill taste nor smell , but when it is rectified , it becomes sharp and stinking .

It s Vse and Vertues : It is a most excellent Balsamum dr●wn from Volatils ; it is anodyne , astringent , agglutinative , and mundificative ; and therefore most excellent for all burnings and fresh wounds , as also for the cleavings of womens breasts , and likewise for the descent of the bowels , by anointing the part , then applying a bandage , or truss .

There is another way of making this Oyl , viz , to heat your yolkes in the Pan till they begin to grow red and to burn ; then put them into a coorse linnen cloth , Oyl'd with Oyl of Almonds , and so put this cloth under a press , and press out the Oyl , but this Oyl has not the force of the other drawn by the method we have already set down .

The Oyl of Karabe , and the Ambred Spirit of Wine .

REduce into a gross powder some yellow Amber , ( you may make use of the pieces which the workmen that work in Amber pare off , and you shall have it cheaper , than at the Droguists ) put four ounces of it in a glass Retort well luted , and pour upon it eight ounces of Spirit of wine , so as your Retort be not above half full , set your Retort on a Round hollow earthen Pan , in the circulary Furnace , and fit to it a good ample glass receiver , which you must not lute to the Retort , lest the vapours of the spirit of wine , which cannot be contained in the Receiver , should break it : but be careful in luting the gap of the furnace , about the neck of the Retort , lest the flame should reach the Receiver , and there set on fire the vapours of the Spirit of Wine , and from thence the flame would get into the Retort . If such a thing should happen , the remedy would be , to stop presently the mouth of the Retort with some Lute , to choak the flame . Encrease your Fire by degrees , and when you perceive that the Receiver is not very warm , then encrease your Fire more , and give a Fire of Suppression , to the end , you may drive out the Oyl of Amber , together with the Spirit of Wine : continue your Fire , till you perceive no more clouds in your Receiver , for that is a sign that all the Oyl is extracted , and distilled from the Amber : you will find two ounces of black Oyl of Carabe , or Amber , and eight ounces of Spirit of Wine impregnated , with the red Tincture of the said Karabe , separate by a glass Tunnel , the Oyl from the Spirit .

Obs. 1. That we distil Amber with Spirit of Wine , to the end , we may have the vertue of the Amber in a higher degree for penetration , and less stinking . It may be distilled all alone , and without intermedium ; because , that though , it be a bituminous Body , nevertheless , it is so dry , that it does not swell in the Retort : but , when it is distilled alone , its Oyl is as black as Jet , and much of a worse smell , and cannot become yellow , but by reiterated rectifications .

Obs. 2. That if upon the said Oyl of Amber , you put Spirit of Wine , it will presently be tinged with it , and will have the same vertue as the Spirit of Wine , that has been distilled with Amber .

Obs. 3. That Amber is a bitumen so oylous , that it is almost all Oyl , and contains but very few faeces : since out of one pound of Amber , you may draw fourteen ounces of a black Oyl ; insomuch , that it is nothing but a bituminous Oyl , congealed by a little terrestrial substance .

It s Vse and Vertues : The Oyl of Amber is very bitter , and stinking , and therefore excellent in the suffocations of the Matrix ; either taken inwardly , in the quantity of three of four drops in some appropriated water , or else smelt to , or anointed upon the Temples ; it is most excellent in old Wounds , and particularly of the nervous parts , because of its detersive balsamick vertue .

The Spirit of Wine ambred , or tinged by yellow Amber , is likewise a most excellent Remedy , taken in the same way , for the suffocations of the Mother , and for the falling Sickness . It is besides , a most excellent exteriour Remedy for the Palsie , the Sciatica , the Cold Gout , all cold Fluxions , and all bruises of the Nerves . And this , because of the great tenuity , and penetration of its substance , and its resolutive , and balsamick vertue : but , when you do rub any affected part with this Remedy before the Fire , have a care you come not too near , lest the Fire should catch hold of and burn the party .

The Oyl of Camphire .

PUt two ounces of Camphire slightly powdered , into a Matrass of an ordinary size , and pour upon it four ounces of spirit of Niter , shake your Vessel gently for half a quarter of an hour , to the end , that this agitation may whet the Spirit , and make it operate the sooner upon the said Camphire ; then let them stand together , far from the Fire , within two hours the Spirit will dissolve the Camphire , without any sensible ebullition or smoak , and there will swim upon the Spirit , a clear transparent Oyl . Separate by the glass Tunnel , the said Spirit which will be at the bottom , and will have lost a good part of its caustick Acrimony ; keep your Oyl in a glass Vial well stopped .

Obs. 1. That this Oyl of Camphire , is nothing but Camphire dissolv'd by Spirit of Niter ; for , if you throw a little Water upon this Oyl , the Camphire will presently be coagulated into its first white consistence , and smell , because that the water by weakning the Spirit of Niter , which kept the Camphire in dissolution , makes it lose its hold , and so the Camphire precipitates to the bottom .

Obs. 2. That of all the Gums and Rosins , none but Camphire does melt into Oyl in its dissolution , by Spirit of Niter , which may extract the tincture of the other Gums , but cannot dissolve them .

It s Vse and Vertues : are to exfoliate the Rot of the Bones , by the strong penetration , and dryness of both the Spirit of Niter , and the Camphire ; therefore is it most excellent wherewith to touch the Nerves , that are bare , and naked in wounds ; for it consumes gently , the sharp humour which falls upon them , and makes the said wounds most grievous , and by its own ●nodyne , and mollifying vertue of the Camphire , it takes away a great deal of the pain of the said Nerves .

The Spirit of Wine Campherised .

PUt as much Camphire as you please into a Matrass , pour upon it Spirit of Wine , till it be four fingers above your matter ; fit to this Matrass another little one , and so make a double vessel ; lute them well together ; with slices of Paper , place your Vessel in a Sand-Furnace , and there let it stand , till the Camphire be entirely dissolved in the Spirit of Wine : the Spirit will then be clear , and transparent as before , and the Camphire will have a pleasant smell . There is nothing to be said about the dissolution of Camphire , by Spirit of Wine , since Camphire is a kind of Gum-Rosin , and that Spirit of Wine has the vertue of dissolving all Gums by the homogeneity of its substance , and the tenuity of its parts .

It s Vse and Vertue : It is a most excellent anodynum to appease the Tooth-ach , by putting a litle Cotton dipp'd in the said Spirit of Wine , to the pain'd Tooth , and it is good to help the paines in the Ears , by dipping in it some black Wool , cut off of the Stones of a black Ram , and so put into the Ear.

The Aromatick tincture of Cloves .

PUt of whole Cloves , what quantity you please , into a Matrass , and pour on well rectfied Spirit of Wine , to the height of four fingers above your matter , make a double Vessel , with another small Matrass , fitted to the first , and well luted together ; place this vessel in a Sand-heat , and there let it stand , till the Spirit of Wine be dyed of a red-blackish colour ; separate by inclination this tincture , and keep it in a glass Vial well stopp'd . Of this tincture , may be made a Syrup , by putting to it a sufficient quantity of Sugar , and so boyling of it to the consistence of a Syrup : or you may make of the said tincture an Extract , by evaporating your tincture to the consistence of an Extract .

The Vse and Vertues of the Tincture , Syrup , and Extract , are , to comfort and strengthen the Stomach , by consuming cold , superfluous humours , take away the pains of the Colick ; it is excellent against all Faintings of the Heart , and kills worms in the body . The Dosis is a spoonful of the Tincture , or Syrup , and a Pill of the Extract , or else you apply Linnen dipt in the said Tincture , upon the Stomach , Belly , and Navel .

Cinnamon Water .

PUt four ounces of whole Cinnamon , not powdered , two pound of White-wine , or Sack , into a Glass , or Stone Cucurbite , place it in a Sand Furnace , with a glass Head , and Receiver , there will be distilled a Water very clear , and full of Spirits , which from time to time you must take , and pour out of your Receiver , to the end , it be not mingled with the gross flegm , which will come at last of a whitish , muddy colour .

Obs. 1. That you must not distil Cinnamon-water in a Cucurbite of glazed Earth , lest the Cinamon should whet the Spirit of Wine , and make it corrode the Lead of the Vernish , and so being impregnated with the Saturn , alter its own vertue .

Obs. 2. That the Water of Cinnamon , is nothing but the purest part of the Wine , impregnated with the Volatil Aromatick Salt of Cinamon .

It s Vse and Vertues : It is a good Cordial , fortifies the Stomach , facilitates , and helps the delivery of Women in Child-bed ; the flegm of this Water is fitter to make the Syrup of Cinnamon , than common Water , by infusing in it some new Cinnamon , and aft●r the straining , dissolve in it a sufficient quantity of Sugar , and so boyl it up to a Syrup . This flegm contains a little Spirit of Wine in it , with a little of the Volatil Salt of the first Cinnamon ; and so is fitter to open , penetrate , and extract the substance of new Cinnamon , than simple common water .

The Spiritus Ardens , or burning Spirit of Honey . The sweet Tincture of Honey . The stinking , or faecid Oyl and Spirit of Honey . The stinking Tincture of Honey .

PUt into a Glass , or Stone , or glazed Earth Cucurbit , one pound of good Honey , and two pound of white-wine ; place your Cucurbite in a Sand-Furnace , and set it half way into the Sand , fitting to it a glass Head and Receiver , give a good Fire , and continue it till all be distilled , and that you hear nothing boyl in the Body ; then there will remain a very black , thick Honey : keep the distilled Liquor , which will be of two sorts , the first will be clear and transparent , and in a small quantity , and in this is the burning Spirit of-Honey , and the Spirit of Wine . The second will be of an Orange colour , and more in quantity , and contains the flegm of the Wine , with the sulphureous Tincture of the Honey .

Take the Faeces of the said Distillation , put them into a Stone Retort well luted , and put to them alike quantity of River-pibble-stones calcin'd ; place your Retort in a Reverberatory Furnace , fit to it a great glass Receiver , and give your Fire from the first to the last degree , for the space of some hours , till there come out of the Retort , neither vapour nor liquor ; then you will have in your Receiver , a Spirit , and stinking Oyl of Honey ; and there will yet remain some Faeces in your Retort .

If upon these Faeces you pour Spirit of Wine , till it be four or five fingers above your matter , you may have by digestion in a Matrass , or double Vessel in a Sand-Furnace , a foetid Tincture of Honey , as red as Claret Wine .

The Vse and Vertues of all these Tinctures , Spirits , and Oyls , Are to make the Hair grow stiffer and thicker upon Bald-heads .

The Vinegar of Saturn . The Butter , or Balsamum of Saturn .

BOyl some distilled Vinegar in a Brass , or Tin Skillet , or in a glaz'd Pipkin ; pour it out boyling hot upon Minium , or Seruse , or Lytharge of Gold or Silver , reduc'd to powder , or upon calcin'd Lead ; let your matter be in a glaz'd Pan , and you must have so much Vinegar , as may be four or five fingers deep over your matter . Stir it a little with a wooden Spatula ( not with an Iron one , for it would black both your Liquor , and the Salt to be extracted out of it ) in an hours time your distilled Vinegar will become sweet and sugar'd , and impregnated with the Salt of Saturn .

To make the Butter , or Balsamum of Saturn ; melt one ounce of white Wax , in a little glaz'd Pan , then put to it four ounces of Oyl of Olives , mingle them well with a wooden Spatula , pour this mixtion immediately into a Brass Mortar , and upon it , a glass full of the Vinegar of Saturn , stir them well together with a Brass Pestle , till the Oyl and Wax be both impregnated with the Salt of Saturn , contain'd in the said Vinegar , and that all the Composition be thick and white , as the soft Ointment of white Roses .

It s Vse and Vertues : This Vinegar serves to appease inflammations and pains , being applied outwardly to any part , by Linnen dipp'd in Virgins Milk , made of one spoonful of this Vinegar , and a glass of Water ; it may also be useful in Injections , in recent and fresh Gonorrhaea's , to appease the violence of the pain . And observe , That this Vinegar , pour'd upon any distill'd Water , does not whiten it , nor make it like Milk .

The Butter , or Balsamum of Saturn , serves to cool and appease the ardour of inflammations , as well of the Stones , as of the Hemorrhoides , and other parts : as also , it produces the same effect in Erisypelases .

The Plaister of Saturn .

PUt one pound of Oyl of Olives into a vernish'd Pan ; add to it four ounces of well powder'd Minium , or Mine-Lead , and so boyl them together ; stirring them sometimes with an Iron Spatula , till they be reduced to the consistence of a Plaister , as black as Jet ; you may add to it a little Wax to give it a Body .

It s Vse and Vertues : It is most excellent in dissolving those fleshly Excrescences , and Ulcers called Wolfes .

The Extract of Hellebore .

PUt half a pound of the Roots of black Hellebore , cut into little bits , into a capacious Matrass , pour on Spirit of Wine , four fingers above your matter ; fit to it another little Matrass , to make a double Vessel ; place it in a Sand-Furnace , and there let it stand in digestion three or four days ; and let not the belly of your Matrass be above a quarter-way in the Sand , nor do not make your fire so great , as to make your Spirit of Wine boyl ; for , then part of your Spirits would exhale , and be gone ; yet , let there be heat enough to extract the red Tincture of the Roots . Separate this Tincture by Inclination , or if there be any Faeces , filtrate it through a Coffin of brown Paper ; pour this Tincture into a glass Body , which set in the same Sand-Furnace , and fit to it a glass Head and Receiver , and so draw off by Distillation , as much Spirit of Wine , as you poured on , which will serve you for other uses ; then take off the Head , and evaporate your matter to the consistence of an Extract like Honey .

In the mean time , boyl the Roots left in the Matrass in a quantity of common Water , to make a Decoction , which strain through a course Linnen , then clarifie it with Whites , and Shells of Eggs , and evaporate it in a stone , or glaz'd earthen Pan , to the consistence of an Extract , which you may mingle with the precedent , if you think good .

We draw these two Extracts separately , and with different menstruums , because , that the Spirit of Wine extracts only the gummy rosinous part , and cannot extract the saltish : and the common Water does quite contrary .

It s Vse and Vertues : It purges Melancholy most commonly with a loathing , and sometimes with vomiting .

An Essence for the Tooth-ach .

PUt of the Spirit of Wine campherized , of the Tincture of Cloves , of the Oyl of Box , of the Oyl of Guaiacum , of the black Oyl of Sulphur , and if you will , of the Tincture of Opium , of each an equal part , there will result an oily red transparent Liquor , which you must keep in a glass Vial well stop'd .

It s Vse and Vertues : It is a most excellent Remedy to appease the Tooth-ach , and draw off the sharp humour that falls on the Teeth ; you must pour some of it into a glass , and then dip a little Cotton , of which make a Pellet , as big as a Pea , and apply it to the Tooth , or in its hollow part , if there be any ; there will presently distil from it a good deal of Water , and the pain will cease .

Turpentine Pills .

PUt four ounces of clear transparent Turpentine of Venice , into a glaz'd Disn ; pour upon it three times as much water , boyl them together with a gentle heat , till your Turpentine look white , and not yellow , as before ; then take out a little of it upon the point of a Knife , and let fall a drop or two , upon a pewter Plate ; if you see that the drop , when cold , does not stick to your fingers , then it is boyl'd enough to make Pills of ; so take it off , and pour cold Water into your Pan , that will precipitate the Turpentine in a white Paste : take this Paste , and knead it with your hand to wring the Water out , you may wipe your Turpentine , with some Linnen , but you must do it gently , lest while it is warm , the Linnen should stick to it ; then add to it one ounce of a Diaphoretick Antimony , half an ounce of Salt of Sulphur , and as much of Cremor Tartari , incorporate them together into a lump , which will soon grow hard , but will easily grow soft again , being handled before the fire . Keep this Mass for Pills , in a Hogs bladder , well oyl'd with Sallet Oyl .

It s Vse and Vertues : These Pills do dry up , and stop Gonorrhaea's when they have flow'd enough , by giving half an ounce for Dosis , for the space of a fortnight or three weeks . For those that cannot swallow Pills , you must boyl your Turpentine a little more , till it grow so hard upon the Plate , as to be broken in pieces , powder this in a mortar , and add to it the same Druggs , as above . The Dosis mentioned will be the same here , and must be dissolv'd in white Wine , or in Broth , or in some Decoction , or appropriated Water .

The distilled Water of Plants .

PUt a good Hand-basket full of leaves , ( for Example of Plantane ) new gather'd , and fresh , into the Brass Vesica , add to them about four quarts of Water , to the end , the Herb may boyl during the distillation , and that in boyling , the said Water may extract , and be impregnated with the vertue of the plant ; yet , let not your Vesica be above three quarters full , lest the Water in boyling , should carry the substance , and not the vapours into the Moors-head . You need not put any sponges into the neck of the Vesica , as you do in the distillation of the Spirit of Wine , because these sponges would hinder the passage of your vapours ; fit to your Vesica its Moors-head , bordered with its Refrigeratory ; and make use also of the second Refrigeratory , that is , of the two Hogsheads full of Water , as has been taught in the distillation of Spirit of Wine ; this will further the distillation of your Water very much . Give at first a good Fire of Coals , and two or three Fagot-sticks , continue this Fire , and moderate your Distillation so , as to make a little stream of Water come always into your Receiver , into which it will not fall perpendicularly , as the Spirit of Wine does , but a little arch-wise . As soon as with this little stream you perceive that there come vapours into the Receiver , lessen your Fire , to hinder the loss of these vapours , which spend themselves in vain . If your Distillation be performed but slowly , and drop by drop , or in a very little stream , falling perpendicularly , then encrease the Fire , that you may not lose your time by an unnecessary protraction of the Distillation . From time to time empty your Receiver , and immediately pour it through a glass Tunnel into a stone Pitcher .

As soon as you perceive , that there comes into your Receiver a muddy Water , then be sure , that all the good part of your Operation is at an end ; because , this muddy Water proceeds from the burning of the Plants , which begins to send forth its Spirit , and stinking Oyl ; therefore give over distilling , put out your Fire , take out the Grounds of the Herbs left in the bottom , and throw away the muddy Water that you shall find there with them ; after which , begin a new Distillation with new Herbs , and new Water .

When you have gathered all your Water into stone Pitchers , put into them some Saltpeter , well purified , and crystallized , half a dragm to every pound of Water .

Obs. 1. That you must not put your Water into an earthen Vessel unglazed , because , at last it would lose its self entirely , through the pores of the Potters-Earth , which is very porous and spongious ; therefore , always put it in Glass , White-ware , or glaz'd Vessels , or Stone , because that these are very dry and thick , and there is no danger in glaz'd Pots , because your Water has no Acrimony wherewith to corrode the glazing : all the danger is , that the Frost should break them ; for preventing of which inconvenience , you must keep your Vessels in a warm deep Cellar , or in a Box full of Hay .

Obs. 2. That the refin'd crystalliz'd Niter which you put in your Water , serves to preserve it for many years ; and that Niter is fitter for this purpose , than the fix'd Salt of the Plant , which would be very tedious to extract , by drying and burning of the Faeces , then infusing the Ashes , then filtrating this Lixivium , then evaporating it to the consistence of a Salt .

Obs. 3. That you must presently stop your stone Pitchers with a Cork stopple ; and it is not necessary to expose them to the Sun-beams .

Obs. 4. That to make Rose-water , it is better to put pale Roses well picked , into a great earthen glazed Pan , and add to them water and common Salt : for example , upon six pounds of Roses , as many quarts of water , and one pound of common Salt , and so let them macerate and ferment two or three days , then put them into the Vesica , and distil them : observe , that during the distillation , and after it is done , the Rose water does smell but very little of the Roses : but if you will quicken the smell , it is but setting your Pitchers some days in the Sun , covered only with a white Paper : then take them , and stop them close with a cork stopple , and set them up ,

Its Vse and Vertue : It is the same with the vertue of the Plant it is distilled from .

The soft Conserve of Leaves and Flowers .

TAke a deep large Pan , set it in such a Furnace as the great Reverberatory Furnace , throw a handful or two of sand into your Pan ; then place in it a stone Pitcher of a quart , five quarters full of water ; fill up your pan with sand , so as to bury the belly of the pitcher in sand . Then put into the mouth of the Pitcher , a Glass , or Tin Pipe , as big as your little finger , and a foot long ; being bended in its middle angular-wise ; one end of it must be so streight , that a drop of water may not go through in substance , the other end must be pretty wide : put the wide end lapt about with a little Linnen into your pitcher , and then make a fire in your Furnace , and cause your water to boyl ; as soon as it boyls , there will come out with violence at the little end of the Pipe a moist burning vapour : which will stream above half a foot beyond the Pitcher , and yet not a drop of water with it : set under this vapour a pan full of Leaves or Flowers newly gathered and fresh ; having before hand sprinkled upon them two or three spoonfuls of Spirit , or Flegm , or Vitriol , or Sulphur ; these Leaves or Flowers will fade by little and little , as they receive this penetrating vapour . In the mean time , you must turn them continually , till they become like a thick hasty pudding , which will be in half a quarter of an hour ; then take out these Flowers thus prepared , put in more , continuing so , till you have prepared all your Leaves and Flowers , then put them all together into an Earthen Pan , and add to them double their weight of fine Sugar , well powdered and searced ; incorporate them well together with your Spatula ; and thus you will have a very pleasant good conserve , which will keep as long as that which is made by beating the herbs in a Mortar , keep it in white ware pots .

Obs. 1. That we have filled our Pitcher but three quarters full , to the end , that the water in boyling , should not come out through the little end of the Pipe in its own substance , but in Vapour .

Obs. 2. That the Spirit of Vitriol , or Sulphur , with which we sprinkle the said Leaves , or Flowers , serves for two ends : First , it revives and quickens their natural colour , preserves it , nay , and re-cals it , if it were a decaying ; Secondly , it is as a Salt to these Leaves , or Flowers , to preserve them from corruption .

Obs. 3. That in all seasons , even in winter , you may by this method make a soft , or Liquid Conserve of Roses , with dry Roses , whose dying yellowish colour , you may this way revive , and make them of a lovely red . But the Operation will be somewhat tedious , for it will last an hour , but also the Conserve will last and keep longer , than if it had been made of fresh Roses .

Obs. 4. That if you take a straight Pipe , half a foot long , and put the wide end of it into the nose of the cover of the Brass Vesica , which must be half full of water ; then the Sulphur that shall come out of the streight end of the said Pipe , will do the same effect , as the Engine described already .

Obs. 5. That if you sprinkle the Conserve of Flowers of wild Popies , with Oyl of Tartar , made per deliquium , or by dissolution of its Salt ; and then stir the said conserve , it will become of the colour of Violets , like Syrup of Violets , and if you sprinkle the conserve of Roses with the said Oyl of Tartar , and then stir it ; it will become as green as growing grass .

The Lime Water and Phagedenick Water .

TAke four or five pound of quick-Lime in stones , and not in powder , and choose such stones as are very well calcin'd ; put them into a barrel knocked out at one end , or into a great stone Pot ; throw upon it at once two pale fulls of water , and then stir it with a stick ; reiterating the agitation from time to time : there will be a very great ebullition & smoak , in which the volatil Salt of the Quick-lime will evaporate , in two hours or thereabouts the boyling will cease , and the Quick-lime will fall to the bottom : upon the surface of the Water there will remain a thin transparent white Ice , which is the essential Crystallized Salt of the Quick-lime ; let this water stand for some days , stirring it from time to time that it may be well impregnated with the Salt of the Lime ; or else at first , you may separate it by inclination from the Lime that is in the bottom , and then filtrate it through a brown Coffin of Paper , and so keep it in great Glass , or white Ware Bottels , or Stone ones if you will ; provided they be all well stopped with Cork stopples .

Obs. 1. That here we quench , or slack the Quick-lime on a sudden , & all at once , and so by a great ebullition and evaporation , the volatil Salt of the Lime is dissipated : for in this remedy we do not need the volatil Salt , as we do in our Cauteries ; it is enough here , that the Water be impregnated with the fixt Salt of the Quick-lime , to be fit to cleanse and dry Ulcers .

It s Vse and Vertues : It consumes the superfluous humours in Ulcers ; resists corruption , drys them and cicatrises them . It serves also for mealy Ring-worms , for the Itch , Scales , and Erisypelases , for Inflammations : but you must have a care to make it more or less sharp , according to the nature of the distemper , and the sensibility of the part you intend to apply it to : which to do , you need only put more or less common water , according as you will have it , more or less acrimonious : for , the force of this water is in its Salt ; which you cannot sweeten but by encreasing the dose of common water , and diminishing that of the Salt . Therefore it is but trifling to make two or three Lime waters one after another upon the same Lime .

To make the Phagedenick water ; put two pound of the said Quick-lime Water into a Glass Bell , or an Earthen white Ware Pan , and put to it , from half a dragm to a dragm , of Corrosive Sublimate well powdered , ( in an Earthen white Ware Dish with an Earthen Pestle . ) This Water , and the Sublimate , after the first stirring of them together , will become presently of an Orange colour , the Sublimate will go to the bottom , and is called the Orange-Sublimate . If you have a desire to make your Phagedenick Water weaker , pour upon it two pounds more of Lime Water ; then the water and the Sublimate will change their Orange colour into a Lemmon : keep this water , together with its Sublimate , in a Glass Vial well stopped for your use .

Obs. 2. That the Sublimate from white becomes yellow or orange colour , when mixt with the Lime water , because that those Sulphureous Salts , of which the Corrosive Sublimate is not devested , being to engage with the Salt of the Lime , are quickened , and so revive their colour in the conflict , so much as to communicate their tincture to the Water and Sublimate .

It s Vse and Vertues : In this Water we dip Linnen , and apply it to old rotten Ulcers , full of frothy flesh , to consume the ill flesh ; correct the putrefaction , cleanse and produce better flesh , and at last dry them , and bring them to cicatrize .

The Magistery of Coral . The Salt of Coral .

TAke as much as you please of red Coral ( that which is in little branches is the best ) beat it to a fine powder in a Brass Mortar , and put it into a Glass , Stone , or White-ware Vessel , pour upon it Spirit of Sulphur two or three fingers high above your Matter ; let them stand together , far from the fire , and there the Coral will dissolve ; while it dissolves , there will be an ebullition with a little noise , which ceasing , marks to you that the Spirit is loaden with as much of the Coral , as it is able to dissolve ; and it has lost its great acidity and sharpness . Pour off by inclination this dissolution , and put it into a Vessel apart , then pour new Spirit upon the Faeces , and continue so doing , till you have dissolved all the Coral . This done , put all your dissolutions together into a Glass Bell , and pour upon them cold water , in such quantity , and so often , till at last your water come away without any taste ; filterate that which remains through a Coffin of white Paper , upon which let it dry , or make Trochisks of it , as has been taught in the Chapter of the Diaphoretick Antimony .

Obs. 1. That to make your dissolutions you must not take an earthen glazed Pan , lest your Spirit of Sulphur should spend its force upon the glazing , and black and spoyl your Magistery , nor you must not take a Vessel of potters earth unglazed , because that this earth being porous , would imbibe and consume the Spirit in its porosities : now your Stone Vessels are of a thick compact Matter , and your White-ware is a kind of glass .

Obs. 2. That instead of Spirit of Sulphur you may use Spirit of Vitriol , but because Vitriol naturally blacks all it comes near , your Magistery will not be so white ; you may also make use of distilled Vinegar , or juyce of four Lemmons ; but we do not , because we should need too great a a quantity , and so it would prove dearer , and your Operation would only be longer , but not better .

Obs. 3. That the Magisteries of Crabs eyes , Pearls , Bezoard , mother of Pearl , are all made the same way as the Magistery of Coral ; yet we shall give a description of some of them by another method .

Obs. 4. That both the Magistery , and the Salt of Coral , are nothing but a Calx of Coral ; or a Philosophick calcination of it , by the corrosion of the Spirit of Sulphur : all the difference that is between the Magistery and the Sulphur , is ; that the Magistery is a Calx slackened , washed and sweetened by common water , and so freed from the acrimony of the Salt of Sulphur , whereas the Salt of Coral is a Calx , yet impregnated with some rest of Spirit of Sulphur , incorporated in it by crystallization , or not driven away by the fire in the drying ; from whénce it proceeds that the Magistery is infipid , but the Salt of Coral is acid and biting upon the Tongue , and from thence it has the name of Salt , though in effect it be no salt : for it is not to be dissolved in water , and is properly a Stone , salted by the impregnation with the Spirit of Sulphur : for , if you go about to dissolve it , there will be in the water nothing but some Spirit of Sulphur , so that if you continue sweetning this Salt , you will at last make the Magistery of Coral of it .

It s Vse and Vertues : The Magistery and Salt of Coral have the same vertues with pure Coral ; but they are exalted , because the body of Coral being opened , is more penetrating , and so fitter to carry its astringent corroborative faculty to the remotest parts of the body ? yet it is certain , that there where the design is only to take away the Acrimony of those humours , which do corrode the Stomach and Intestines ; there , I say , ordinary Coral , well powdered , is better than its Magistery ; because , that the Chymical Operation will be performed in the body with more benefit , by those corrosive sharp humours , which meeting with the Coral , fall to dissolving of it , and so dull their own Acrimony , which is the most malignous thing in the body . We see nevertheless by experience too , that if upon the Magistery of Coral , you pour new Spirit of Sulphur , or of some other Acid , there will be a more sudden and stronger ebullition , though it last not so long as in the first dissolution of Coral ; and therefore , the serous sharp Humours of the body , may produce the same effect upon the Magistery . But the Dissolvant meeting not with so much resistance in Coral already opened and calcin'd , as in natural Coral , does not work with so much force , and therefore dulls not its activity , nor loses so much of its Acrimony after the dissolution .

The Balsam of Saint John 's Wort compounded , drawn by the Spirit of Wine .

Put into a Matrass five or six ounces of Spirit of Wine , put to it Myrrhe , Aloes , and Sanguis Draconis , all well powdered , of each a dragm ; place your Vessel in a Sand-fire , to make your Gums dissolve ; which will be done in two or three hours time , then add to them as much of the dry Flowers of Saint John's Wort , as you can take up with your thumb and four fingers ; the Spirit of Wine , though it have dissolved the Gums , will yet extract the Balsamick Tincture of the said Flowers ; next day take off your Vessel out of the Sand , and strain all your matter through a Linnen Cloath , by pressing it while it is warm , then dissolve in it half an ounce of Venice Turpentine , by setting your matter for half an hour upon a Sand-fire ; thus you will have a red , unctuous , and mucilaginous Balsam .

Observe , That if you had extracted the Tincture of your Flowers , before the Tincture of the Gums , the Spirit would have been weakned , because it would not only have been loaden with the oyly part of them , but also with the flegm , and therefore would not have been able to dissolve the said Gums .

It s Vse and Vertues : It is a most excellent Balsam for all green Wounds , Contusions , and for the Sciatica .

The Corrosive Sublimate .

YOu must have two Pans of Potters-Earth unglaz'd , which must be turned up-side down , one upon the other , and be so exactly fit , as to make but one Pan in this situation ; and therefore they must have been baked together in a Potters Oven ; in the uppermost , must be a hole big enough to put an Egg into ; then take Quicksilver , and good refin'd Niter deflegmated , of each a pound , common Salt well decrepitated , and green Vitriol well calcin'd into red , of each half a pound ; powder your Salts , and incorporate with them your Quicksilver , by beating them together in a Marble Mortar , with a Wooden Pestle , and sprinkling distill'd Vinegar upon them , till you have reduced them to a kind of paste ; put this paste by pieces into the Pan , by the hole left in the top , and then stop it with Lute , so as to leave only a vent of the bigness of a good big Pin ; place your undermost Pan : up to the brim , in the Furnace of the Fire of great Reverberation ; taking care to leave in your Furnace three gaps , to give the Fire Air , viz. one over against the Fire-room , and one of each side , for else your Pan being set so deep into the Furnace , would go near to suffocate , and put out your Fire : give at first a strong Fire , and when you have brought it to the highest and last degree , continue it twelve hours . While the Operation lasts , you must have a care to keep open the little vent , that is left in the Lute ; you may therefore , with a Wire , gently open it from time to time , that so your matter may send forth freely its most fiery vapours , which else would break your Vessel , and in the breaking spread such a malignity by their abundance , and sudden eruption , as would go near to infect you . After twelve hours , let your Fire go out , and when your Pan is cold , break the uppermost part of it , and you will find a loaf two or three fingers thick , sticking to the sides of the lowermost part , as white as Snow ; icy in its circumference , and crystalliz'd in its middle .

Obs. 1. That in France we do not make much of this Sublimate , because we can have it six times cheaper from Venice , where common Salt , Mercury and Vitriol are very cheap , because they are not far from the Mines , and near the Sea . The Hollanders do also bring some to Paris , but they sophisticate it commonly with white Arsenick : We have taught to discern this cheat in the Chapter of the dulcified Sublimate .

Obs. 2. That the Corrosive Sublimate is nothing but Quicksilver , calcin'd and incorporated with Niter , and the Spirits of common Salt , and Vitriol by the Fire , which sublimes all these Volatils into one lump . The common Salt and Vitriol remain in the bottom of the lowermost Pan , almost as heavy as when they were put in , because that they are naturally fix'd ; the fix'd Substance of the common Salt , and deflegmated Vitriol , serve to hinder the melting of the Niter ; and the Spirits of these two serve to corrode the Mercury , and make it strongly corrosive , by the conjunction of all these Salts together .

It s Vse and Vertues : 'T is the strongest Corrosive of all , it serves to make the dulcified Mercury , the Emetick Powder , the Phagedenick Water , and that Unguent , which for the violence of its inflaming and burning Operation , is called , The Devil's Vnguent : It is the poison we call Rats-bane , and kills Rats and Mice by burning their entrals , as if they had live coals in them ; producing the same effect in all Animals , and men too , if they swallow any of it . The Antidote of it , is not any Theriaca , or Victan , or other Cordial ; there is nothing but Water in abundance , that by humecting and wetting the Salts , is able to take away their Acrimony , though Oyl be very good too ; for , Oyl and Grease , because they cannot dissolve , and melt these Salts , make them at least remain without force upon those parts which are oyled or greased , as we may see in the operation of Cauteries , applied to a very fat man ; for , as soon as they have corroded the skin , they are fain to stay there , and shew their caustick vertue no further ; because they meet with the Panicula Carnosa , or Adiposa , which stays their action , there is nothing but a waterish humidity , which by melting of these Salts , gives them leave to work .

The Balsam of Sulphur , drawn by the Oyly Spirit of Turpentine .

PUt into a Matrass four ounces of Flowers of Brimstone , or else Brimstone powder'd very fine , and one pound of Spirit of Turpentine , incorporated with its Oyl , such as the Merchants send from Provence to Paris ; let your Matrass be but half full , place it in a Sand-fire , and fit to it another Matrass , and so make a double Vessel . In this heat the Spirit will begin to simper , and presently after the Brimstone will melt , and dye the Spirit of a fine colour , as red as a Pomegranate : govern your Fire so , as to hinder your Spirit from boyling ; in one or two hours the Operation will be done . Then take off your Vessel , and pour out your Dissolution , while it is warm , into a stone Vessel , or of glaz'd Earth ; in it , the Sulphur , as it grows cold , will go to the bottom , and congeal in a yellow lump , and the Tincture will remain above ; when your Tincture is cold and clear , by the falling down of the Brimstone , pour it off by inclination , and keep it in a glass Vial.

Obs. 1. That this Spirit of Turpentine has drawn not only the red Tincture , but also the ill smell of the Brimstone , so as to lose its own odour .

Obs. 2. That the Brimstone , which you find after the Operation done , weighs almost as much as when you put it in , having communicated to the Spirit of Turpentine little besides the colour , and smell of Brimstone .

It s Vse and Vertues : It is a most excellent Anodinum , and Ripener for the wounds of the nervous parts , and is very good for pains in the ears , by putting some drops of it into them .

The Essence of Musk , and Ambergreece , drawn by Spirit of Wine .

PUt into a small Matrass , one dragm of Ambergreece , and half a dragm of Musk , well powder'd before hand ; pour upon them five ounces of Spirit of Wine , seal up your Matrass hermetically , and put it into a little earthen Pan full of Sand , up to half the belly ; set it in the Sun for forty days , in the hottest time of the year , from eight of the clock in the morning , till seven at night ; keeping behind your Matrass a Tin Leaf , to receive the Sun-beams , and reverberate them upon the glass . The Musk and Ambergreece will be almost quite dissolved in the Spirit of Wine , and will dye it of a red colour , like a Ruby ; break the neck of your Glass , and pour out your Essence into a glass Vial , well stopp'd , and waxed , and above the stopple , put a piece of an oyled bladder .

Obs. 1. That Ambergreece being a kind of Bitumen , and Musk being of an oyly nature , they may easily be dissolved in Spirit of Wine , and communicate to it their Tincture .

It s Vse and Vertues : One drop of this Essence perfumes for ever whatsoever it touches , that can imbibe it ; and is much more pleasant with a double quantity of Ambergreece , than with equal parts of Musk and Ambergreece , because the odour of the Ambergreece is sweeter , and that of the Must stronger .

The Tincture of Tartar , or Spirit of Wine clarified .

TAke as much as you please of Tartar calcin'd to whiteness , properly called Salt of Tartar , or of Ashes made of burnt Lees of Wine , call'd Gravell'd Ashes ; put either of them into a Crucible , or unglaz'd stone Pot , place it in a Wind-Furnace , till your matter be blew , like Vitriol of Cyprus , which may be done in an hours time : take off your Pot , and with a brass Spoon take out your matter , and powder it while it is hot , in a brass Mortar , and then put it into a Matrass , which you must stir , and shake in your hand , to the end the heat of the matter may extend its self equally to all the parts of the Glass , and not break one by over-heating it . Let your Matrass have two parts empty , pour into your matter Spirit of Wine , till your Glass be half full ; place this Vessel in a Sand-Furnace , giving an ordinary Fire according to Art ; let it stand till the Spirit of Wine become as red as a Ruby , then pour off by inclination this Tincture , pour on more Spirit upon the Faeces , and reiterate this as long as the Faeces will yield any Tincture , there will remain a good quantity of the said Faeces , which you may re-calcine , and use as other Salt of Tartar ; keep your Tincture .

Observe , That Tartar being a sulphureous and inflameable Salt , may take the colour of blew , and communicate a red Tincture to the Spirit of Wine .

It s Vse and Vertues : It is the most powerful and penetrating Desopilative that is ; it produces its effect strongly and gently , so that for the obstructions of the Spleen , the Pancreas , the Mesentery , and the Mesaraick Veins , there is not the like remedy amongst Chymists nor Galenists ; for , by the Spirit of Wine , it dissolves all the most tenacious Viscosities in the little Veins , and pores of the Belly : and by the Salt of Tartar , it carries away all the impurities of the said parts , so that no Soap can cleanse more than this Tincture . It s use is to be dissolved from ten to thirty drops , in some Broth , or appropriated Water , to take every morning fasting for some days .

The Spirit , and foetid Oyl of Tartar .

TAke a glass Retort luted up to half its neck , if you do make but a little of this Remedy , or if you make a great deal , take a Stone one , fill it up to the neck with good Tartar of Montpellier , either red or white , beaten to a fine powder : place your Retort upon a Pot-cover full of Ashes , in the small reverberatory Furnace , if you use but two or three pounds ; or in an Earthen Bowl , in a great circulatory Fire , if you use but half a pound : fit a Receiver , and give your Fire by degrees ; there will soon come forth a white dark vapour , which will continue all the time of the Operation ; the Flegm comes first , then the Tartar takes fire in the Retort , and is in a flame , and from the smoak of this flame , come the Spirit and Oyl . Continue your fire , till there come no more out of the Retort , and till your Receiver be clear , and cold , though the Fire be violent under the Retort : out of one pound of Tartar , you will draw about ten ounces of Spirit , with its Flegm , and two ounces of Oyl ; in the Retort will remain four ounces of a black Salt , which you must dissolve in Water , then filtrate and coagulate to use , as the true Salt of Tartar , being entirely devested of its Flegm , Spirit and Oyl , and so being a pure Salt ; for the Tartar contains but very little Faeces , or Earth .

Observe , That in this Operation , we perceive that Tartar is a very sulphureous Salt , since it takes fire in the Retort , and there comes from it a blackish Oyl , stinking , and inflameable , and that the Faeces do remain black , and burnt in the Retort .

It s Vse and Vertues : This Oyl is indifferently stinking and caustick ; it serves for Ring-worms , and exfoliation of Bones , or for Farsey in Horses : the Spirit is acid , when rectified , and is good against the Stone and Gravel .

The Spirit and Aromatick Oyl of Juniper Berries .

Put fresh Juniper Berries into a Brass Vesica , till it be half full , fill one third more of the Vesica with common cold water , let them infuse twenty four hours in the Vesica , with a gentle fire , to extract afterwards the better the oyly Essence of your Berries , having all this while stopt the mouth of your Vesica with a Linnen-cloth ; take out this cloth , and fit to your Brass body its Mores-head , border'd with a refrigeratory , and a moveable Pipe , and do as has been taught in the distillation of the waters of Plants ; that which will first come , will be the Aromatick , Balsamick Essence , or Oyl of Juniper Bays , together with a little flegm , or inflegmated Spirit ; and then the rest of the flegm will follow . Out of a peck of Berries , you will not have above two ounces of Essence , or Oyl , all the rest will be flegm , or Spirit inflegmatized .

Obs. 1. That because we can draw but a very small quantity of Oyl or Essence , not only out of Juniper Berries , but also out of all Balsamick and Aromatick Leaves , Flowers , Rinds , Barks , Roots , Woods , Berries , and Seeds , therefore we have found the way of using Spirit of Turpentine , separated by three or four Rectifications from its red Oyl , putting three or four ounces upon every peck of Berries ; to the end that being incorporated with the Essence of Juniper , it may augment , and encrease the quantity of the said Essence , and yet not change its qualities ; but if you should put more than three or four ounces of this Spirit on a peck of Berries , the smell of the Turpentine would predominate , and so spoil your Essence : thus the Provensals prepare and multiply their Essences , and by affording them cheap , make them become common . But I could wish that they would leave off sophisticating them , and sell them as dear as they stand them in , and are really worth ; particularly , those Essences that are to be taken inwardly ; but the covetousness of those that sell , and the sparing way of the buyers , will never give way to this .

Observe , That when you have put to your Berries the Spirit of Turpentine well rectified ; the first liquor that comes is the said Spirit impregnated with the oyly Essence of your Juniper Berries .

Obs. 2. That there are two ways to separate the oyly Essence from its flegm . The first , is by a glass Tunnel or a Coffin of brown Paper wet before hand with common water ; or with the Spirit of your Berries , as it has been said before : only observe , that most of the Essences do swim upon their flegm , and therefore , that in separating them by the glass Tunnel , the first thing that runs out , must be the flegm ; and by the Coffin , 't is also the flegm that goes through ; the Oyl remains ; which you draw out by making a hole in your Paper Coffin towards the bottom , and holding a glass Vial under to receive your Oyl .

The second way is , to put into a glass Matrass , with a short neck , all the flegm with which the Oyl is distilled ; and then make a rowl of Cotton like the Wick of a Candle ; of which put one end into your Matrass , to make it touch the said Essence , and let the other end hang into a glass Vial , tied with a pack-thred to the neck of the Matrass : your Essence will by little and little imbibe the Cotton , and at last run quite through it , till it come out at the other end , and fall by drops into your Vial.

Obs. 3. That the Balsamick , and Aromatick Essence , or Oyl of Juniper , as of all other Balsamicks , and Aromaticks , is nothing but the subtlest part of its Sulphur and Volatil Salt , because of its Sulphur it retains the smell of the Berries , and the yellow colour of their Tincture , and because of its volatil Salt , it retains the taste , and Acrimony of the said Berries ; in these two , the Salt and Sulphur , consists the excellence of this simple ; but , because the Oyl of Juniper has but little Salt , therefore it swims upon its flegm , and having been drawn by common water , it has preserved the natural smell , savour , and tincture of the Berries ; and thus it happens to all drogues of this nature : for , if you distil them in a naked fire without water , there will come from them a stinking caustick Oyl , as we have taught in the Chapter of the distillation of the stinking Oyl of Cloves . But before this stinking Oyl , we do ordinarily draw from Aromatick drogues by the intermedium of water , all their Essence and Balsamick Oyl , which is a kind of Virgin Oyl , being the purest part of them . After its extraction , there remains yet in the Faeces a thick gross terrestrial saltish Oyl , which we draw without intermedium by distillation ad latus in a glass Retort luted in a naked fire : and because this Oyl is drawn without intermedium in a naked fire , and by the combustion and flagration of the said Drugs , therefore it is black and stinking , and of an ill taste , and much more caustick than the Aromatick Oyl , which contains less of the Volatil Salt , the flegm having shared a good part of the said Salt , with the Oyl ; but in the foetid Oyl , the Volatil Salt is as it were shut in , and not carried away by its flegm , whereof it has very little .

If you rectifie your Essence of Juniper in a little glass Retort in a Sand-fire , there will come off a Spirit , which is the Spirit of Turpentine , which you had added to it , and there will remain in the Retort a pure Essence of Juniper as yellow as Gold , and as thick as true Balsam .

It s Vse and Vertues : The Essence of Juniper Berries helps the Tooth-ach , Deafness , the Rot of the Bones , the Colick , and the Gravel . It s flegm , or Spirit , serves to prepare the extract of Juniper , as we shall teach hereafter .

The Aromatick Essence of Cloves , Cinnamon , Pepper , Aniseed , Fennel seed , Rosmary-leaves , Thyme , Marjorum , Savin , Jesmin-Flowers , Orange-Flowers , Orange and Lemmon Peels , and generally of all Roots , Barks , Rinds , Woods , Berries , Seeds , Leaves , and Aromatick Flowers , whose oyly Tincture may be easily extracted in water , are drawn the same way as that of Juniper Berries : but those Woods , Roots , and Barks that are of a thicker and more compact substance , and which will not easily yield their oyly Tincture in water , must be used without water , in a Retort and naked fire , to extract their Oyl , which by consequent must be black , stinking , and caustick , as the Oyl of the Wood , and Bark of Guiac , &c.

The stinking and black Oyl of Juniper .

FIll a Stone or Glass Retort luted , with the Berries of Juniper , that have already yielded their Aromatick Oyl . Place it upon an earthen Bowl full of ashes , in a small Reverberatory Furnace , there will come abundance of white Vapours , which in the Receiver will dissolve , some into an acid Spirit , and some into a Black Oyl , stinking , and caustick : Out of a pound of Berries , you will have about two ounces of this Oyl , and twelve of acid Spirit , and if you use fresh Berries , that have not served , you will have the double of stinking Oyl : separate by a glass Tunnel the Oyl from the Spirit .

It s Vse and Vertues : The Oyl is good for Ring-worms , for the Tooth-ach , the Rot of the Bones , and all old Ulcers .

The Extract of Juniper .

PUt into the Brass Vesica , or double glass ●●●sel , a peck of Juniper Berries fresh gather● and pour upon them distilled water of Junip●● three or four fingers high above them : if yo● have not enough of the said Water , you may suply your want with common Water . Place yo●● Vesica in a circulary fire , or in any of the Reve●beratory Furnaces with a small fire , or if you 〈◊〉 a double glass Vessel , set it in a sand Furnace wi●● a good fire ; there let it stand twenty four hour● till the tincture be extracted ; which pour o● gently into a Brass Basin , or into an Earthe● Pan ; place it upon a little Furnace over a nake● fire ; and make it boil as soon as you can ; whe● it boils , throw into it five or six whites of Eggs , with the Egg-shells , and so continue to make it boil , till your whites of Eggs be hard , and loaden with the Faeces of the Tincture , then pour off this clarified Tincture from its dregs , and strain it through a Linnen , or Flannel-strainer ; hindring your whites of Eggs from coming away with the Tincture into the stone Pan you receive it in ; then evaporate it gently in a Sand-Furnace to the consistence of an Extract ; a stone Pan is fitter than a glazed Earthen one , because the stone one is much thinner in the bottom , and every where , than a glazed one , and may therefore be sooner penetrated by a sand heat .

It s Vse and Vertues : This extract is called the ●ermans Treacle , because that in Germany they ●se it frequently as we do here Treacle ; and it is ●ndeed a great preservative against the Plague , ●nd a rare Antidote against poisons ; it strengthens the stomach : the dose is from a scruple to two dragms .

All extracts of Berries , Leaves and Flowers , are made the same way .

The Laudanum .

TAke four ounces of good Opium , and if it be soft , cut it into pieces with a Knife ; or if it be dry , powder it in a Mortar , and have a care that the powder rising do not at last work upon you the same effect that a double Dose of pills of Opium would do . Put this Opium without any other preparation into a Matrass , and pour upon it Spirit of Wine , till it be four or five fingers above your matter , and that your Matrass have a third part empty , lest your menstruum , in stead of extracting the Tincture , should evaporate and be gone . Place your Vessel in a sand Furnace , up to half the belly in the sand , fit to it another little Matrass , and so form a double Vessel ; lute them well together with Paper and Glew , that so nothing may exhale : make a good fire , and let your Vessel stand a whole day , the next day separate your Tincture from its Faeces , and pour new Spirit of Wine to them , which also must stand a day , and then be poured off : then for a third time , put new Spirit of Wine to extract the remainder of the Tincture , which done , put all your Tinctures together into a stone Pan. Place this Pan either in a sand Furnace , or in a Balneum Mariae ; if it happen that you are then distilling of Spirit of Wine in the Brass Vesica , you may place your Pan upon the Moors-head , which may serve in stead of a Balneum Mariae ; evaporate gently your Tinctures to the consistence of an extract : If you desire to draw off most of your Spirit of Wine , put your Tinctures at first into a glass Cucurbit , and distil them in a Sand-fire , till they begin to grow thick ; and then pour them into a stone Pan , and evaporate them , as hath been said .

Obs. 1. That all those preparations practised upon Opium ordinarily , do rather cleanse it , and purifie it from its Faeces , than free it from any venomous substance , or malignous quality ; therefore if you take of that Opium which is in little even Cakes , neatly environed with Leaves ; you may give it without any other preparation at all , only beat it warm in a Mortar , and so form Pills of it .

Obs. 2. That in the belief that most have , that the thin Volatil substance of Opium , is that which causes its malignity , they have studied all ways imaginable whereby to devest it of this Volatil substance ; as by drying it over the fire , and so causing this Sulphureous subtile substance to evaporate : but it is not against reason to believe , that in this exsiccation , or drying , the flegm alone , which is innocent enough , is the thing exhal'd , and that Opium in its whole substance is of a subtle , Volatil , Narcotick nature , and in that consists its Malignity .

Obs. 3. That we use Spirit of Wine for a dissolvant , because it draws much more perfectly this Tincture than any other liquor would , because that Opium is of a thick , glutinous , juicy nature , and Spirit of Wine is the best Dissolver of all Gums : besides , the design being to benumb the senses , the Spirit of Wine , which has the same faculty , is most proper , and being a cordial , is a rare corrective of that malignity which we suppose in Opium . Some are of opinion , that distilled Vinegar would be a fitter menstruum , because they pretend by it to fix a little the Volatil nature of the Opium , and hinder the fumes which make it to arise to the head . To which I answer , with this distinction , That if the design be to appease the Head-ach , and correct Insomniums , then Laudanum prepared with Spirit of Wine is best ; but if it be to stop a Diarrhaea , or Dysentery , or asswage the pains of the Colick , then Laudanum prepared with Vinegar is fittest ; because the Spirit of Wine carries one to the Head , and the Vinegar keeps the other down in the Belly : but we must have one of these menstruums , if we will extract the Tincture of Opium well : for pure Vinegar smells too much of Vinegar ; common Water is not strong enough , because of the viscosity of the Opium , which requires a penetrating dissolvant .

Obs. 4. That if your Opium be very clean , and without Ordure , it will turn almost all of it into Tincture , and leave but very few Faeces ; and so the extract of Opium is but a purified Opium , delivered from all mixture of other things , and devested of some of its own indissolvable terrestreity .

Obs. 5. That in Authors , you meet with an infinite number of descriptions of Laudanum ; and all the variety is produced from nothing , but from a different mixtion of ingredients ; but certainly the best Laudanum is the simplest , and such as we have described it . Saffron , Pearls , Corral , Treacle , Musk , Ambergrease , and other ingredients which are added , serving for nothing but to take up more room , and often are quite opposite and contrary to the design intended by giving Opium , so far they are from augmenting the vertue of it .

It s Vse and Vertues are , to make those sleep that are troubled with continual waking , and intolerable Insomniums , not to be overcome by ordinary Somniferous remedies ; to asswage great head-ach , to thicken and soften all sharp humours flowing to the breast , to stay loosnesses , dysenteries , and help pains in bilious colicks and dysenteries . But have a care you give not Laudanum while the body is full , and has not been evacuated sufficiently by Blood-letting , Clysters , and a moderate diet ; nor when there is a copious Fluxion upon the breast , caused by a thick humour , nor when there is pain and stopping of breath , nor when the patient is very weak , and has but little natural heat . The dose is from one grain to two , or three , or four at most , and you must never give the highest dose , without having given the first and second without effect ; it is ordinarily given in form of a little Pill .

The Tincture of Roses .

PUt into a Brass Pot , or into an earthen glazed Pan , four pound , or two quarts of water ; set it upon a Furnace in a naked fire , till it begin to simper , and then put into it two or three spoonfuls of Spirit of Sulphur or Vitriol , and stir it with a woodden Spatula to the bottom , then throw into it a good handful of red dry Roses of the year you are in , and stir all together again with your Spatula , and so let them stand till the water begin to boil , then take off your Vessel , cover it , and when the matter is cold , strain your Tincture through a Cloth , or a Coffin of brown Paper , it will be as red as a Ruby , and will keep four or five months without danger of corruption .

Obs. 1. That if you did put your Roses into the water , before the Spirit of Sulphur , or Vitriol , you would lose your Spirit afterwards in the Roses , without effect , but the water being sharpned first , is fit to extract and revive the Tincture of the Roses .

It s Vse and Vertues : It is a very pleasant cooler , being Cordial , and strengthening , and most excellent for the Liver , the Kidneys and the Stomach .

The Milk , or Precipitate , or Magistery of Brimstone .

TAke four ounces of Flowers of Brimstone , and sixteen ounces of common Salt decrepitated and powdered , mingle them well together : which , that you may the better do , put a spoonful of each at a time upon a Marble stone , and there grind them to an impalpable powder ; wet this powder drop by drop with distilled Vinegar , till you have reduced all into the consistence of Pap , or hasty Pudding , then scrape it together with a piece of Horn , and continue doing thus , till all your matter be grown'd , and thus prepared : in the mean time , boil six pound or three quarts of common water , in a Brass Kettle , and when the water boils , throw in all this lump of Matter , and after it has boil'd a little , add to it half an ounce of white Roch-Alom in powder , and stir it with a Woodden Spatula , keeping your Kettle on the fire , till all be dissolved in the water , which then will be of reddish muddy colour ; and this will happen in half an hours time , then take off the Kettle , let your dissolution cool ; in cooling , the Brimstone will precipitate to the bottom in a whitish colour : when it is all precipitated , pour off gently the Water , which will be impregnated with the common Salt and Alom : pour common Water upon your whitish Matter to sweeten it , and do so till the Water come away insipid , and that the Matter be entirely freed from the Acrimony of the Vinegar , Alom , and common Salt : filtrate that which remains through a Coffin of white Paper , or through a glass Tunnel , as has been taught heretofore ; and you have the Precipitate or Magistery of Brimstone .

Obs. 1. That our design being here to open and whiten the body of Brimstone , we use the Flowers of Brimstone ; because , that by reason of their impalpability , which they have contracted in their sublimation , they are fitter to be incorporated with common Salt , and to become whiter than common Brimstone would be , which would be very hard to be powdered so fine , as the flowers of Brimstone are already .

Obs. 2. That we use common Salt , to open , calcine , and whiten the body of Brimstone , and we use it decrepitated , and three times as much in quantity as the flowers of Brimstone , to the end it may do its work the better : for the furthering of which we also add distilled Vinegar , which quickens the common Salt , by incorporating it with the Sulphur .

Obs. 3. That for this incorporation we use not a Brass Mortar , because it might black the powder by the attraction of the Tincture of the Metal , but we use a Marble and Stone one , where the finest things may be easily made finer , so that a hair might be broken upon it .

Obs. 4. That Brimstone alone would never dissolve in water , though never so exactly powder'd , because that being exteriourly of a greasie , oleaginous nature , and its Salt being altogether buried in its own substance , all the ways of being dissolv'd are taken away from it . But if you add to it common Salt , by means of the distilled Vinegar , and the Levigation of it , then all being one body , it happens that the Salt and Vinegar in their dissolution do engage the Brimstone to dissolve at the same time ; but then it is necessary that your water should boil some time , to hasten the dissolution of these bodies , and so the Sulphur being a little opened , and calcin'd by the common Salt and Vinegar , does at last afford its Tincture to the said water .

Obs. 5. During the ebullition of the common Salt and Brimstone in the common water , we add a little Alom to whiten and scowre the Brimstone , for Alom is a very dry white Salt , and Brimstone quite contrary , is a very oyly mucilaginous one ; we do not use Roman Alom , because that it is red , and would communicate its colour to the Magistery of Brimstone , which ought to be white by reason of the common Salt .

Obs. 6. That the Brimstone is precipitated all alone without any Precipitant , as soon as the water grows cold , because its dissolution in water was not perfect , and the strength of the Salts being dulled by the coldness of the water , they can no longer retain the Brimstone above water .

Obs. 7. That the Precipitate , or Magistery of Brimstone , is but Brimstone Philosophically calcin'd by common Salt , and distilled Vinegar , and scoured by Alom , then sweetened by washings , and so whitened in form of a powder .

It s Vse and Vertues : 'T is an excellent dryer , or dissicative for all Ulcers , and therefore is fitter to make the Balsam of Brimstone , either with Spirit of Turpentine , or with Walnut-Oyl , than ordinary Brimstone , or the Flowers of Brimstone : It is particularly good against all Ulcers of the Lungs , to ripen the Fluxions that fall from the Breast , and help the Expectoration of Flegms , and also to dry away the humours which flow that way . It may be taken either in a spoonful of Syrup , or in some Conserve , or you powder with it a Toast spread with fresh Butter , or Oyl . The Dosis is , from half a dragm to a dragm . And if at the same time you will strengthen the Stomach , and gently loosen the Belly , you add half a dragm of Rhubarb in powder upon your Toast , you may put it into a spoonful of some pectoral Water ; but it is not so easie this way , because , by its lightness , it swims upon the Water ; and that so , in stead of swallowing it , a good deal will remain in your mouth . You may likewise use it in a Pomatum , against the Itch and Scabs , because that this Brimstone hath acquired not only a singular whiteness , but has also lost all its ill smell , which makes all the Unguents and Balsams of Sulphur so stinking and unpleasant : but it would be a dear Unguent , because you can hardly prepare much of this Magistery at once , nor without great pains and cost .

The Magistery of Pearls .

TAke one ounce of Oriental Pearls , which are better , and much dearer than the Occidental ; reduce them to a fine powder , in a Brass Mortar , which must be covered with a Leather Cover , in which is a hole to put your Pestle in ; put this powder into a Glass precipitatory Vessel , and pour to it Spirit of Sulphur , or distilled Vinegar , or juice of Lemmons , four or five fingers high above the matter ; there will presently be caused a little simpring , or boiling , which ended , stir your matter with a stick ; then suffering it to settle a little , pour off your Dissolvant , which will be loaded with some part of the said powder of Pearls , and will be as white as Milk .

Pour more Dissolvant upon the matter left , and do as at first , continuing this Operation , till all your powder be dissolved ; then gather together all your Dissolutions , in the same precipitatory Vessel , or in another , if you will , and pour upon them great quantity of common Water divers times , to sweeten and wash the said Dissolution , and continue this till the Water have carried away all the Acrimony of the Dissolvant . After you have poured out the last Water , your matter will remain like Pap ; which put into a paper Coffin , and there let it dry in the shade upon a Sieve ; you will have the Magistery of Pearls , as white as Snow , in little mis-shapen pieces , which you may keep as they are , or else powder them : or if you please , you may at first , before your matter be dry , form them into Trochisks , as has been taught .

Obs. 1. That we reduce the Pearls to a fine powder , that they may be easilier dissolved , by a less quantity of Dissolvant ; in the powdering of them , the Mortar is covered , because , that Pearls being small , and round , and hard , would in beating , be apt to leap out of the Mortar , and be lost , if it were not covered .

Obs. 2. That we rather use here Spirit of Sulphur , than distill'd Vinegar , or juice of Lemmon ; because it dissolves them easilier than either of the other , insomuch , that one pound of Spirit of Sulphur , will sooner dissolve an ounce of Pearls , than twelve pound of distill'd Vinegar , or juice of Lemmons ; besides , that the Spirit of Sulphur is more cordial and pectoral than either of them .

Obs. 3. That the Spirits of Salt , Niter , and Vitriol , are not proper for this Operation , because of their too great corrosive faculties , which would go near to rest in the Magistery , and then we should be obliged to sweeten it so long , till at last the Water of the Lotion would carry away with it a good part of the Magistery . We may say as much of the Oyl of Tartar , made per deliquium , in a wet place , or by the dissolution of the Salt of Tartar in common Water ; besides , the Spirit of Vitriol would black the whiteness of the Magistery , and the Oyl of Tartar would make it rough to the feeling .

Obs. 4. That common Water is sufficient to precipitate the said Magistery , and weaken the Spirit of Sulphur , so as to make it lose its hold : because that the dissolution of Pearls by the said Spirit , having been performed without the help of an external heat , and without any great penetration , there is no need of any strong fight between the Dissolvant , and the Precipitant .

Obs. 5. That the Water of the first sweetning , has a little smell of Ambergreece , if the dissolution be with the Spirit of Sulphur : for , Pearls opened by this Spirit , have such a smell .

It s Vse and Vertues : This Magistery is a great Cordial against all venomous Feavers , the Small Pox in Children , the pains of the Spleen ; it is likewise good for Consumptive persons , and against Loathings , and desires to vomit , caused by sharp serosities . The Dose is from a scruple to a dragm . It is also a Fucus , being mingled with some proper Pomatum .

Some brag , with ostentation , of a Water of Pearls ; but it can be nothing else but this Magistery , mingled with some Cordial Water , which , if stirred , becomes as white as Milk ; for , as for the true Milk of Pearls , which is the Dissolution of Pearls in the Spirit of Brimstone , it cannot properly be called Water of Pearls , because that by reason of its sharpness , it is not potable . The Water of the first Lotion of your Magistery , is excellent to scour and whiten the hands .

The Calx of Oyster-shells .

TAke of the uppermost part of Oyster-shells , what quantity you please , wash them , and cleanse them in warm Water , and let them dry upon a Lettice in the Sun . Then take six or eight Tiles , made in the form of a half-Circle , of such a proportion , as that two of them join'd together , may fill the inward Round of the Laboratory of a Reverberatory Furnace , leaving the space of an inch empty between the sides of the Furnace , and the said Tiles , to give the fire play round about , and betwixt the said Tiles ; for , there must be also in two or three places of their Circumference , a Brim of an inch deep , to let the flame in to calcine those matters that shall be set upon them . Place two of these Tiles upon the Iron Bars of the Laboratory , and upon them place three or four other rows of Tiles , loaden with Oyster-shells , one upon another , so as there be half a foot left empty of the top of the Laboratory ; then cover your Laboratory with an earthen Pan , turn'd upside down , in whose bottom is a hole : give a great Fire at first , with Wood and Coals , and when it is come to the last degree , continue that twelve hours ; the flame passing upon your Oyster-shells , will calcine them , and reduce them into Calx , as white as Snow , and so brittle , as to fall into powder if you touch it .

Obs. 1. That we take only the upper part of the Oyster-shells , because that part is whiter and thinner , and easier to calcine , than the lower part .

Obs. 2. That we wash them in warm Water , before we calcine them , that we may scour them , and cleanse them from a certain mucilaginous ordure , which in the calcining would leave a blackness , and spoil the beauty of your Calx . If you desire to scour your Oyster-shells a better way , after you have washed them in warm Water , put them into a stone Pan , and pour upon them distilled Vinegar , one finger high over the matter , and so let them soak one day , then take them out , and dry them in the Sun , before you calcine them .

Obs. 3. That the Calx of Oyster-shells is very Salt , so that by the same method that we draw the Salt of Vegetables and Animals , we may likewise draw this Salt in good quantity ; that is , by dissolution in common Water , filtration , and evaporation of your Lixivium , till it be dry . This Calx is composed of two substances , viz. of a good deal of white Virginal Earth , and of a good deal of Salt , both fix and volatil ; by means of which , the said Oyster-shells are naturally heavy .

It s Vse and Vertues : This Calx is most excellent for the Gravel , because of its Salt ; it is very opening , and dries up ( by means of the two substances it is composed of ) all superfluous humidities of the Body . The Dose is from twenty to thirty Grains in some Conserve , Preserve , or Syrup .

The Magistery and Calx of Egg-shells .

TAke a good sufficient quantity of the shells of Hens Eggs new-laid , and clean , wash them in fair Water , and then dry them , as we do Oyster-shells ; put them into a stone Pan , or a glass Bell , and pour upon them Spirit of Vinegar , that is , distilled Vinegar , separated from its Flegm , five or six fingers above the matter ; it will presently begin to simper , and will dissolve the Egg-shells : as soon as it has done , and that by laying your Ear to , you perceive no more noise , then your Egg-shells are dissolved , and the Dissolvant is loaden with its proportion of the dissolved substance , and has lost its Acrimony , and sharpness in the combat . This done , stir your matter with a woodden Spatula , and by this agitation , your Dissolution will be turned into white Curds . Let it settle , and then pour off this curdled Dissolution into a stone Glass , or White-ware Vessel ; after which , pour on more Vinegar , and do as at first , till all your matter be dissolved . Having put all your Dissolutions into one Vessel , pour upon them a great quantity of clear cold Water ; stirring them with a woodden Spatula , the Water will become at first as white as Milk , and the Magistery will precipitate to the bottom , then the Water will be clear and sowrish : pour off this Water , and pour on more , till you have entirely sweetened your Magistery , and that your Water come away insipid : put the remainder into a Coffin of white Paper , through which , the Water that remains will filtrate ; and you will have remaining the Magistery of Egg-shells , which you must dry in the shade , upon the bottom of a Sieve .

To make the Simple Calx of Egg-shells ; Take a good quantity of the newest , and cleanest , well washed , and dried , bruise them between your hands , and fill them with an earthen Pot unglazed ; which set in a Potters Oven for nine days , and you will have a Calx as white as Snow .

Obs. 1. That you must take new and clean Egg-shells , to the end , that being free from all soiling , and dirt , the Spirit of Vinegar may the easilier corrode them ; for all smoot and ordure in a thing , does dull the action of a Dissolvant ; and if you should calcine them with this ordure upon them , they would grow black , and spoil your Calx .

Obs. 2. That you must use the Egg-shells of Hens , and not of Ducks , Geese , or Turkeys , because that Hens Egg-shells are easilier calcin'd , being thinner , by reason that a Hen is a more temperate Animal ; Water-fowl are hotter , and by reason of their heat , do concoct , and harden their Egg-shells more than other Fowl ; and from thence comes that you must have a greater quantity of your Dissolvant , employ more heat , and spend more time to calcine the Eggs of Water-fowl , than of Hens , whose Egg-shells do also produce a whiter Calx than any of the others .

Obs. 3. That we use here Spirit of Vinegar deflegmated , to dissolve the said Egg-shells ; for , if it were undeflegmated , it would not be strong enough to corrode the hardness of the Egg-shells ; you might use Spirit of Sulphur , but it is too dear ; and Egg-shells are not so hard , but that they may be dissolved by a weaker Dissolvant , than Spirit of Sulphur , or Spirit of Niter , which would do well , and produce a very white Calx : but for Spirit of Vitriol , and Aqua fortis , they would altogether spoil your Operation , by communicating a blackness to your Calx , which ought to be extream white .

Obs. 4. That the Magistery of Egg-shells is nothing but Egg-shells Philosophically calcin'd by their dissolution in Spirit of Vinegar , then precipitated by the cold Water , into a white Calx , and sweetened by reiterated Lotions , then filtred and dried in the shade . As for the simple Calx of Egg-shells , it is a calcination of them , made by a strong fire of nine days , so as to be reduced into a substance , containing much of white Virginal Earth , and a little Salt . If you wash this Calx , you take from it all its Salt and sharpness , and there will remain an insipid Virginal Earth , of the nature of the Magistery .

It s Vse and Vertues : It is a good desiccative which dries up Ulcers without corrosion ; therefore it is very good for these Ulcers that affect that Coat of the Eye , called Cornea : it is also a very good Fucus , for if you rub your hand and face with it , without mingling it with any Pomatum , it will so insinuate its self into the pores , as to produce a rare whiteness .

The Calcination of Venice Tale.

TAke four ounces of Venice Talc , which crumble between your fingers ; then take four pound of whole River-pibbles , not of the biggest , nor of the least size , put into a white Leather Bag , gather'd at each end , both your Pibble-stones , and your Talc , and then shake it , as the Pin-makers do , when they whiten their Pins : do this for an hour , then take out your Talc , and put it into a Silken Sieve , and searce it ; take that which could not pass through , and put into the Bag , and so shake it again , as at first ; then searce it , and do thus till all your Talc be reduced to a white impalpable powder , like Meal-dust .

Obs. 1. That we use here a Bag of Sheeps-skin , white and clean , and well dressed ; because that a Bag of black Leather would black your powder ; and so would it do , if it were not very clean , and well dressed ; a Linnen Bag would not be fit , because that the finest part of the powder would go through it , besides the danger of its breaking , or wearing out in this agitation .

Obs. 2. That we use River-pibbles , and not Mountain ones , because that the River ones are whiter , harder , and smoother than other , and therefore fitter for this Operation .

Obs. 3. That Venice Talc is improperly said to be calcin'd by this Operation ; for it is nothing but Talc very well powder'd , by this ingenious method , which reduces it into a finer and whiter substance than could be done by a Pestle in a Brass Mortar , or by a violent fire , and tedious calcination .

It s Vse and Vertues : It is the finest of all Fucuses to apply , without Pomatum , to the skin , penetrating the pores , and sticking to them by its unctuosity or oyliness more than any other . It may be useful other ways too .

The Salt of Crystal Venice .

TAke one pound of the transparentest Crystal , put it into a Crucible of a reasonable size , and set it in a great reverberatory Furnace for eight hours , till it be melted down ; then take off your Crucible , and when it is cold , break it , and take out your matter , which in a Brass Mortar you must reduce to an impalpable powder ; mingle this powder with its weight of Nitar , well purified and reduced to powder ; put them in a Crucible , which set in the same Furnace , and cover it with a little earthen cover ; continue a reverberatory Fire for six and thirty hours together , or till the matter yields no more fumes : then take off your Crucible , and presently break it , and powder your matter in a Brass Mortar , while it is warm : then throw it by spoonfuls into a Kettle full of boiling water , and there let it boil , till your Water be half consumed away ; filter the said dissolution , while it is warm , through a coffin of brown Paper : evaporate your filtration by a good fire , either in the same Kettle , or in an earthen-glaz'd Pan , till there remain nothing but a powder , as white as flower , in the bottom of the Vessel ; taking care to stir the said powder with an iron Spatula , lest by so great a fire it should melt again .

Obs. 1. That we take here Venice Crystal , because it is the best .

Obs. 2. That we calcine first the Crystal in a great reverberatory fire , till it be melted , to the end we may so open it , as to be able to reduce it to an impalpable powder , and so make it fit to be calcined by the Niter .

Obs. 3. That we calcine a second time the said Crystal with fine Niter , to open its body better , and so the Niter may communicate to it its fix'd Salt , and that of the body of the Crystal , and of the body of the fix'd Salt of Niter , there result one body , and one Calx .

Obs. 4. That we dissolve this Calx of niter'd Crystal in hot Water , and afterwards we filter it , and then evaporate it to a dry powder , to the end , that by this dissolution and filtration , the Salt of Niter be whiter .

Obs. 5. That this Salt of Crystal , is nothing but Crystal incorporated with the fix'd Salt of Niter ; so that it is more properly a Calx , than a pure Salt . The Crystal communicates nothing but its Virginal Earth , and the Niter , nothing but its fixt Salt ; and therefore , Crystal containing in its self no Salt at all , this Remedy ought more properly , to be called Crystal niter'd .

Crystal is a clear transparent Glass , and Glass is a Crystal less clear , and transparent ; the only subject matter of both of them made by Art , is a congealed Virginal Earth , hardened under the form of Pibble Stones , and Crystalline River Sand. This matter cannot be melted , and purified , but by the Salts both of Vegetables and Minerals ; and after the fusion , and vitrification of the said Sand , and Pibble Stones , all the Salt is separated , and comes away from it , so as there remains not any in either Glass , or Crystal .

It s Vse and Vertues : It is a powerful Diuretick , it drives away Gravel , and breaks the britle Stones of the Kidney ; it dryes up Gonorrhaea's .

The Salts of Corals , Pearls , fragment of Rubies , Topaz Stones , Emeralds , Diamonds , and other precious Stones , are to be prepared in the same way , and have the same vertues with the Salt of Crystal , by reason of their calcination , and also the Diuretick and Lithontriptick , or Stone-breaking vertue of the fix'd Salt of Niter .

The Flowers of Benjamin .

Here is the Figure of your Iron Round .

Obs. 1. That we apply the said earthen Coffin to the brim of the Furnace , and not to the brim of the Crucible , lest the heat striking the outside of the Coffin , should make the Flowers once sublim'd , melt and resolve into their first nature .

Obs. 2. That we use here an earthen Coffin , and not a Paper one , as most Chymists do ; because , with an earthen one , of the mentioned breadth , we gather a greater quantity of flowers ; besides , an earthen Coffin may always serve , whereas you must change your Paper one , and in that interval you lose many vapours that might have been converted into flowers .

Obs. 3. That the flowers of Benjamin are Benjamin its self melted in a Crucible , then elevated in dry vapours under the form of a white snowy powder , as the flowers of Sal Armoniac ; for Benjamin is a Rosinous Gum very dry , and totally volatil , and from thence proceeds , that as soon as it is hot , it rises in vapours , which being dry , are converted into a very white flower or Snow . In this Operation Benjamin loses its red colour , and acquires a very white one , because that of what colour soever the body that is converted into flowers be , the flowers still must be white ; because , it is their volatil Salt which predominates over them , and which by consequent must invest them with that colour which is natural to all , and particularly to volatil Salts . The red colour of Benjamin consists in a little gross heavy Sulphur , which cannot be raised but by the violence of the fire , which is not needful in the sublimation of the flowers , but only in the distillation of the Oyl of Benjamin .

Their Vse and Vertues : These flowers are most excellent to ripen old coughs , and to help out flegms , because that they are all Volatil and Balsamick Salt .

The Flowers of Antimony .

POwder one pound of Crude Antimony , or rather of Regulus ; put it to an Earthen Cucurbit unglazed ; place it upon the two Iron Bars that are in the great Reverberatory Furnace , so that the neck of the Cucurbit be four fingers higher than the top of the Furnace , Lute your Vessel round about to the Furnace , and fit to this Cucurbit an Earthen Pot turn'd upside down , so that the brim of your Cucurbit enter within the said Pot a little : This Pot must have in its bottom an hole as big as an Egg. Lute well the conjunction of these two Vessels , and to the uppermost of them fit another Pot a little less , having also a hole in its bottom , and then put upon this another , yet less , and having a hole of the same bigness , and so fit , as that its brim must go into the brim of the inferiour Pot , then fit to this another less still , and having a hole also , and at last fit another and fifth pot , having a hole of the bigness of your little finger , and having its brim inserted into the brim of the Pot under it . They must be thus less and less by degrees , as the Pyramide grows higher , and have a care that you lute well all the conjunctions of these several Pots . Give at first a violent fire , and continue it to the highest degree for forty eight hours , and all the while keep the little uppermost hole well stopt with some of our Lute ; your Antimony will be melted in your Cucurbit , and then it will rise , and be sublim'd in dry vapours , which will stick to the sides of the said Pots , in the form of flowers , as white as Snow . In the first Pot they are yellow , in the second red , and in the third white , your Operation having lasted out the time prescribed , put out your fire , and as soon as your Pots are cold , unlute them neatly , and with a feather scrape away all the said flowers , putting white to white , red to red , yellow to yellow .

Obs. 1. That for this Operation the Regulus of Antimony , is fitter than Crude Antimony , because that the Regulus being already separated from its Faeces , is all sublimed , and so makes a greater quantity of flowers , both better and purer : for Crude Antimony contains four times as much Faeces as it does Regulus , which is the purest part of the Antimony .

Obs. 2. That the Flowers of Antimony are of three colours ; the white do contain nothing of the venomous Sulphur of Antimony , and are therefore coloured , of the colour of the Volatil Salt of Antimony : the yellow do contain a little of the said Sulphur , and are therefore somewhat tinged ; but the red do abound with the said Sulphur , and are therefore highly dyed .

Obs. 3. That we fit divers Pots one upon another , to receive all these Flowers , of different colours ; the white in the first , the yellow in the second , and the red in the last : we leave a hole in the uppermost Pot , to give the vapours a little air , but it is not so big as in the lowermost pots , lest the finest flower should be lost through so wide a hole .

Obs. 4. That we give at first a great fire , and continue it forty eight hours , to keep always the Regule or Antimony infusion and effumation , else it would yield no flowers .

Obs. 5. That you must not use stone pots ; for the violence of the fire would break them ; nor Earthen glazed pots of potters earth , because that the glazing would melt and fix the Antimony ; but you must use strong pots of potters earth unglazed .

Obs. 6. That the Flowers of Antimony are nothing but the Regulus of Antimony , or the purest part of the Antimony made Volatil , and sublimed into dry vapours , by the strength of the fire , and so converted into a fine impalpable powder , called Flowers . The white contain only a part of the body of the Regulus , and a good deal of the Volatil Salt of Antimony ; the yellow contain a part of the body of the Regulus , and little of the Volatil Salt ; and so do the red with a good deal of the malignant Sulphur of Antimony .

It s Vse and Vertues : The white Flowers provoke sweat , and sometimes vomiting , and are very good against pestilential Feavers ; the yellow do provoke vomiting with violence , and the red much more , and with convulsions ; therefore there is no use of them , only they enter in the composition of the Plaster of Paracelsus , or of some others , as you shall find in Authors : the dose is , from three to seven grains .

The Flowers of Brimstone .

PUt a great Earthen glazed Cucurbit into a small Reverberatory Furnace ; so that between it , and the Furnace sides , there be the thickness of a Crown piece left empty , and the body of your Cucurbit must not be above half sunk into the Laboratory . Then stop with Lute all the upper circumference left empty , betwixt the Furnace and your Vessel , leaving only three little holes equally distant from one another , to give the fire vent . Then line the neck of your Cucurbit without , with slices of Paper , covered with starch , as if it were to fit a head to it ; and in stead of a head , fit an Earthen glazed pan ; not turn'd upside down , but having a hole in its bottom , of such a capacity as to receive the neck of the Cucurbit . Lute them well together with slices of Paper , starched both above and under the junction of the Pan with the neck of the Cucurbit ; fill this Cucurbit with yellow Brimstone in powder till it be half full , and then fit to this earthen pan another of the same metal , which must be whole , and turned upside down upon the first , so as its bottom be half a foot distant from the neck of the Cucurbit , there must be in the bottom of this second Pan a little vent hole , of the bigness of the point of a bodkin , to give air to the vapours of your Brimstone , which else would make your Pan fly about your ears : give your fire by degrees , and continue a pretty good fire , till there come no more fumes out of the little hole , which for a pound of Brimstone will happen in three quarters of an hours time . Then put out your fire , and let your Vessels cool ; when they are cold , separate them one from the other , they will be lin'd with a thick crust yellow and light , and which being bruised between your fingers , is easily reduced to an impalpable powder ; scrape off this crust with a knife , and you have the Flowers of Brimstone , out of each pound you will have twelves ounces of Flowers by this method .

Obs. 1. That we use here yellow Brimstone , that is in great rowls ; because , that it is the purest and best ; separated from its Mineral Earth , and therefore will yield more , and fairer Flowers ; the green , or gray Brimstone , show by their colour that they are not so pure , and by consequent not so fit for this Operation .

Obs. 2. That we use here a glazed Pan , as well because that Brimstone has not force enough to corrode the glazing , as because that being glazed , the Pans are smoother , and so it is easier to scrape off your Flowers : a stone Cucurbit would break , and you would hardly scrape off all your Flowers in a stone Pan , whose surface is uneven .

Obs. 3. That a great Reverberatory fire is not necessary in this Operation , because that the Brimstone is easily melted , and when melted , is easily raised in Flowers .

Obs. 4. That the Flowers of Brimstone are nothing but Brimstone purified from its Faeces , and sublim'd in dry vapours , by the means of the fire which has melted it , then converted into impalpable yellow Flowers in the sublimatory Vessels .

It s Vse and Vertues : These Flowers have the same , but a more exalted Vertue than ordinary Brimstone , because of the Thinness and Tenuity of their substance ; interiourly they are used for the same end , as the Magistery or Milk of Brimstone , and exteriourly they are used in Unguents for the Itch and Scab , and for the Farcy in Horses , incorporating it with Oyl of Olives and fresh Butter . But you must be careful to use first general remedies , for Brimstone is so drying , that it presently dries up , not only the Itch and Scab , but also so parches the skin , as to make it incapable of receiving the impurities of the body , and of being transpirable ; from which are caused many violent diseases , if the said impurities be not emptied by general remedies , both before and after the use of Brimstone .

The Rosin or Magistery of Jalap .

TAke as much Jalap as you please , well cleansed from its ordures , and dried in the Sun , then powdered and put into a Matrass . Pour upon it good Spirit of Wine , four or five fingers above your Matter , and let your Matrass have a third part empty : fit to it another Matrass to make a double vessel , place it in a sand fire , and there let it stand twelve hours , in which time your spirit will acquire a Tincture as red as Claret Wine : pour off that , and pour on more spirit to the Faeces , in twelve hours it will have extracted a new Tincture , which pour off also . If you will , you may pour on more spirit , but if your second Tincture be not high colour'd , it will not be worth your pains , and cost to pour on more Spirit of Wine : gather together your Tinctures to draw out of them , and precipitate either the Rosin or the Magistery . If you will be content to lose your Dissolvant , and so convert all your Tinctures into Rosin , pour them into a great glass Bell full of cold water , and presently your Tincture will precipitate to the bottom , in the consistence of a white Rosin , separate all the liquor that swims above it , and loosen and take away your Rosin , which did begin to stick to the bottom of the Vessel ; put it into a glass , either whole or in pieces , which being cold , will grow as hard as Rosin or Colophone .

If you will draw off your dissolvant , and change your Tinctures into a Magistery , put them all into a glass Cucurbit , of such a proportion , as not to be above half full with them ; place it in a Balneum Mariae , and fit to it a head . Give the fire by degrees , and draw off by distillation about half the Spirit of Wine to use in other such uses , then pour the remainder , while it is warm , into a glass Bell , full of cold water ; and presently the Tincture of your dissolvant will be precipitated , not into a Rosin , but into a white Curd , which by little and little , in half a quarter of an hours time , will be converted into a white Rosinous powder . Separate by inclination the water , and pour two or three times cold water upon this powder , to separate it well from its dissolvant ; then filter the remainder through a Coffin of white Paper , and dry it in the shade , keep this powder or Magistery in a Vial well stopt .

Obs. 1. That we take Jalap very well cleansed from its ordures , that we may have a fairer Rosin , and more of it , and that it is first dried in the Sun , to the end that its waterish humidity being gone , it may not dull the action of the dissolvant , and so it will be able to extract easilier the Resinous Tincture of Jalap .

Obs. 2. That common cold water precipitates your Tincture into a Rosin , or a Rosinous powder , because that weakening the Spirit of Wine by its quantity , it makes it lose its hold , and so let fall to the bottom that substance which it had seized upon in the dissolving it .

Obs. 3. That the precipitate of Jalap is more properly called a Rosin , than a Gum ; because it would dissolve better in oyly liquors , as Rosins do , than in waterish liquors , as Gums do .

Obs. 4. That when your Tincture is thrown into cold water , before it be evaporated half away , it then precipitates in consistence of a Rosin , but when it is evaporated half away , then it is precipitated in consistence of a Curd , which comes to a Powder .

Obs. 5. That the Rosin or Magistery of Jalap , is nothing but the Rosinous part of Jalap separated from all the terrestrial part which remains in the Matrass , and from its volatil Salt , which has been dissolved in the Dissolvant , or in the Precipitant .

It s Vse and Vertue : It purges by stools without procuring Vomit ; it has a gentler way of operating , than pure Jalap taken in substance ; because it is devested of its Volatil Salt , which is its sharpest part . The Dose is , from six to twelve grains , or thereabouts , in form of Pills or Bolus , with some Conserve , or some such thing .

The Rosin , or Magistery of Scammony .

TAke good clean Scammony , & powder it , then fasten a leaf upon a little woodden Square , or Frame , upon the Paper spread your powder , place it over the vapour of Brimstone , which you must throw from time to time into a Chasing-dish full of Coals , and in the mean time stir continually your powder with a woodden Spatula , and do not approach it too near the Fire , lest it should melt , and so become a lump , as before ; for , if such a thing should happen , you would not be able to make the flegm , and the volatil , and sulphureous malignant salts of the Scammony to evaporate , which is the thing you aim at . Your Scammony being thus prepared , you shall extract out of it a Tincture , as red as blood , in a glass double-Matrass , with Spirit of Wine ; of which Tincture make the Rosin or Magistery , in the same way that you make the Rosin or Magistery of Jalap .

It s Vse and Vertues : The Rosin of Scammony , purges gentlier than Scammony in substance , because it is devested of a great deal of its sulphureous volatil Salt , by the burning vapour of the Brimstone . The Spirit of Wine , and common Water have set at liberty , and dissolved the rest of the volatil Salt , and the terrestrial part , or Faeces , remain in a small quantity in your Matrass . The Dose is from ten to twenty grains .

The Cremor Tartari .

TAke four pound of white Tartar of Montpellier , in great lumps ; wash them well in common cold Water , and then dry them upon boards in the Sun ; this done , beat them in a brass Mortar , and searce them to a very fine powder . In the mean time , let there be a pale of Water boyling in a Brass , or Copper Kettle , and into it throw your Tartar by spoonfuls , and so let it boyl for two hours , stirring it continually with a woodden Spatula ; then take off your Kettle from the fire , and filter your Dissolution while it is warm , through divers Coffins of brown Paper ; evaporate your filtrations in earthen glaz'd Pans , over a naked fire , till by their boyling , there appear a kind of a skin upon the surface of the said Decoction : then take off your Pans , place them in your Cellar , and in three or four days there will be congealed to the bottom and sides of your Pans , great quantity of Crystals as white as Snow , and of a triangular and square Figure Pour out the Water that remains in your Pans , if it look dirty , keep it , and boyl it again to a consistence of a skin , then congeal it in your Cellar , and so draw out all the Crystals left in it ; dry your Crystals either in the Sun , or in a dry place ; then gather them , and put them into glass Vials well stop'd : and thus you have that which Chymists call Cremor Tartari , or Crystal of Tartar . Out of one pound of Tartar , you have foor ounces of Crystals , and twelve of Faeces .

Obs. 1. That for this Operation , we chuse Tartar of Montpellier , because , it is much salter than the Tartar of any other part of France ; because , that at Montpellier they use great Hogsheads , or rather Tuns , that serve twenty or thirty years , so that there gather to the sides of them , a Tartar three or four fingers thick , and by consequent very saltish ; besides that , the strength of the Wine of those parts , makes their Tartar better ; and at last we chuse white Tartar , because it contains more Salt than the red .

Obs. 2. That we wash well the lumps of Tartar , before we powder them , to the end , we may cleanse them from a kind of terrestrial dreggs , which remain upon the said Tartar , in form of a powder : by washing , part of this powder goes to the bottom , and part of it makes the Water look muddy .

Obs. 3. That we powder and searce it , that we may extract easilier , and more abundantly , the said Crystal of Tartar .

Obs. 4. That we boyl it in a great quantity of Water , and that a good while , that we may extract all its saltish substance .

Obs. 5. That it is thrown in by spoonfuls , and not altogether , that so the dissolution of its Salt be the better performed , and sooner ; and for the same reason the Water is not cold , but boyling hot .

Obs. 6. That we stir it continually with a Spatula , else it would remain in the bottom of the Kettle , in a lump , and so being touched by the Water , but on one side , it would not so easily dissolve . Now your Spatula must be of Wood , and not of Iron , lest the blackness of the Iron , by the acidity of the Tartar , come off , and spoil the beauty of your Crystals .

Obs. 7. That we boyl our Tartar with Water , in Brass or Copper Kettles , and in earthen Pans , because that the Salt of Tartar is not sharp enough to corrode Brass , Copper , or the glazing of Lead ; and therefore , there is no danger it should be loaden , or impregnated with their substance , and particularly , if it be uncalcin'd Tartar , and dissolved in Water .

Obs. 8. That your Tartar having sufficiently boyl'd in Water , and the Water being impregnated with all its Salt , we filter this dissolution through a brown Paper-coffin , that so we may separate all the terrestrial indissolvable part of it , which will remain in the Coffin of brown Paper ; this filtration is performed while the Dissolution is warm , that so the Salt may pass with it , which would go to the bottom , in form of a white powder , if the Dissolution were cold .

Obs. 9. That to crystallize the Salt of Tartar uncalcin'd , and dissolv'd in Water , you must evaporate above half of your Water , till your Salt begin to coagulate ; which you observe , by that little skin , that gathers upon the surface of your Water ; then by taking off your Vessels , and placing them in a cold place , as the Cellar , the Salt is formed into Crystals , and is freed from the Water , which kept it in dissolution . If you had continued your evaporation , till your matter had been dry , there would have remained in the bottom of your Vessel , a white Salt in powder , but it is much more pleasant , to have it in the form of Crystals .

Obs. 10. That the Crystal of Tartar , or Cremor Tartari , is nothing but Tartar scoured , and whitened by Lotion , pulverisation , boyling in the Water , filtration , evaporation , and coagulation , or crystallization made in the Cellar . It is composed of two substances ; one is saltish , the other is terrestrial : The first , dissolves in any Water ; the second , only in warm Water : and as soon as the Water is cold the Crystal frees its self from it , and coagulates in the bottom , in form of a white powder , if there be a good deal of Water ; but , if there be but a small quantity of Water , it coagulates into white Crystals , sticking to the sides of the Vessel .

It s Vse and Vertues : It is a great Aperitive , Desopilative , and Diuretick . It purges gently sometimes , but its principal effect is always by way of Urine . The Dose is , from half a dragm , to two , taken inwardly in broth : It is often mingled with Opiates , and also with purgative Potions ; but , then you must swallow them more than luke-warm , else it would coagulate , and remain in the bottom of the Cup , or Glass : some also do dissolve of it in Clysters , to the weight of two dragms , or half an ounce .

The Cremor Tartari Calybeatus , or the Steel'd Crystal of Tartar .

TAke four pound of white Tartar of Montpellier , wash'd , dry'd , powder'd , and searc'd , as has been said in the precedent Chapter . Mingle with it two ounces of the Crocus , or Saffron Aperitive of Mars , or Iron ; throw this mixtion by spoonfuls into a Kettle full of boyling Water , stir it continually with a wooden Spatula , and boyl your Water half away ; then take off your Kettle , filtrate the rest while it is warm , put your Filtration into earthen Pans unglazed , and evaporate it in a gentle fire , to the Pellicule , as you do in the Salt of Saturn ; then set it in a Cellar to congeal , and in three or four days , there will strike to the bottom , and sides of your Pans , a good many clear Crystals of a fine green colour , round in figure , and a little sharp ; separate by inclination the remainder of the Liquor of the Pans , and evaporate it again , and set it to crystallize , as the first ; set your Crystals in the Sun , by placing your Pans on one side , that all the Liquor may run from them ; when your Crystals are very dry , loosen them with the point of a Knife , and put them into Vials to keep : let them be well stop'd ; for , if the air come at them , they will dissolve again , or at least grow wet , and lose their colour .

Obs. 1. That you must take the Crocus Martis aperitivus , or opening , and not the astringent ; because , that the Astringent is devested of its Salt . Now here we pretend to the proper Salt of Mars , and to mingle it with the Salt of Tartar . By this Mixtion the Crystal of Tartar acquires the green , colour of the vitriolick Salt of Mars , and the faculty of dissolving in cold Water . If instead of the Saffron of Mars , you had added the Salt of Tartar calcin'd , you would have made Chrystals of white Tartar dissolvable in cold Water ; for , either of those two Salts of Mars , or calcin'd Tartar , would prove a Corrective to the terrestrial and indissolvable substance of the Cremor Tartari .

Obs. 2. That we evaporate the Dissolution of these two Salts by a gentle fire , that we may keep in their volatil Salts , which by their mixtion , do whet and attenuate one another , and so are disposed to fly away ; which , if they did , then your Crystals would not so easily crystallize .

Obs. 3. That the Steel'd Cremor Tartari , is nothing but the Cremor Tartari incorporated with the vitriolick Salt of Mars , by their dissolution in Water , the evaporation to a Pellicule , or skin , and the crystallization in a cold Cellar .

It s Vse and Vertues : 'T is a more powerful opener and desopilative , than the Cremor Tartari : It is most excellent against the Yellow Jaundice , the Green Sickness , and to provoke the Monthly Courses , if stopped . The Dose is , from half a dragm to a dragm , in some Broth , or appropriated Water .

The Virginal Milk of Benjamin , and Storax .

TAke of Benjamin and Storax , of each two ounces , reduce them to a fine powder , and put them into a Matrass , pour on Spirit of Wine , so as the matter be covered four or five fingers deep , with the said Spirit ; let your Vessel stand in a cool place , for two or three days ; in this time the Gums will be dissolv'd , and will colour the Dissolvant with a red transparent colour , like a Ruby , and withal , will communicate to the Dissolvant their smell most perfectly : pour off this Tincture , and keep it in a glass Vial for your use : when you intend to make of it Virginal Milk , put about a spoonful of this Tincture into a precipitatory Vessel , as a glass Bell , &c. and pour on it , about a pint of cold Water , your Tincture and Water will be both as white as Snow , and your Tincture will be incorporated with the Water , without precipitating to the bottom .

Obs. 1. That the Benjamin and Storax , containing but very little of terrestrial impurities , do dissolve almost totally in Spirit of Wine , which by the thinness , penetration , and evenness of its substance , dissolves easily , and without heat , the said Rosins .

Obs. 2. That the red Tincture is turn'd as white as Milk , when it is dissolv'd in three or four times its quantity of Water ; because , that the common Water does force the Spirit of Wine which was impregnated with these Bodies , to let go its hold , and so it does to all Dissolvants .

It s Vse and Vertues : This Virginal Milk serves to refresh and whiten the skin ; it is excellent against all rednesses , inflammation , and Eresypela's .

The Precipitate , or Magistery of Silver , or Luna .

TAke one ounce of the purest Silver , beaten into Plates as thin as Paper ; then cut it into little bits , and put it into a Matrass with a long neck , pour upon it three ounces of Aqua fortis , made with Niter and Alom ; and so let your Silver dissolve in it , without heat ; pour out your Dissolution into a glass Bell , and pour upon it a quart of Sea-water ; the Silver will presently turn into white Curds ; which in a small time , by little and little , will precipitate into a powder , as white as Snow , and as shining as pieces of Diamonds ; separate by inclination your Sea-water , impregnated with the Aqua fortis , and pour on more cold common Water , so often , till at last it come away without any saltish taste , which is a sign that your powder is dulcorated ; filter the remainder through a Coffin of white Paper , and let it dry in the shade ; you will have a Calx Precipitate , or Magistery of Luna , most admirably fair , and white , and glittering ; put it into a glass Bottle well stop'd , and keep it for your use .

Obs. 1. That you must take the finest , purest Silver ; for , if there were the least mixtion of Venus , or Copper in it , the Magistery , instead of being white , would be green , like Vitriol .

Obs. 2. That you must take Aqua fortis , made on purpose with pure Niter , and Alom ; for , the Spirit of Niter alone , would be too sharp , and your Magistery would hardly be sweetned from all Acrimony , which might , if there remain'd any , corrode and spoil the face it is laid upon . As for common Aqua fortis , made with Niter and Vitriol , it would be worse ; not only because it is sharper than Spirit of Niter , but also , because of its having Vitriol amongst it , which would make your Magistery black . Alom is much fitter to be added to Niter , because it has little Acrimony , and great quantity of Flegm ; insomuch , that Alom is nothing but a part of Virginal saltish Earth , and a great deal of Water congealed , and crystallized together .

Obs. 3. That Sea-Water precipitates the Calx of Silver , for the Reasons which we have said in the Chapter of the Magistery of Bismuth .

Obs. 4. That the Magistery of Silver , or the Moon , is nothing but a Philosophical calcination of Silver , by the means of Aqua fortis , precipitated by Sea-Water , and sweetened by frequent Lotions .

It s Vse and Vertues : It is the best of all Fucuses , according to the esteem and opinion of Ladies ; because of the choice of the matter , and of the Dissolvant ; and also , because it is dearer than the others : the great price of things , serving often to create an esteem for them .

The Tincture of Gold , or Aurum Potabile .

TAke a hollow branch of Crystal , as thick as your finger , and two or three foot long , thrust it half way into warm Ashes , to heat a little , and so dispose it to endure a greater heat , without flying ; then present it , by little and little , to the fire of a reverberatory Furnace , then put it quite into the Furnace , and hold it in the middle of the flame , to make it grow red and soft ; there must be over against the Fire-room-door , a hole , by which another must put in the end of a little Crystal Twig , made as small as a thread , which he must heat likewise , and soften , and when it is soft , he must fasten it to the end of the great branch , which you hold ; then let him draw this Rod , or Twig to himself , and the branch will follow , and stretch like Paste , and you may make as many Rods , and as small as you please of it .

Having made divers little Rods of Crystal by this method , you must guild them one after another with Ducket Gold in Leaves ; buy therefore a Book , containing six and twenty Leaves of Ducket Gold , take one of these Leaves , and spread it upon a Cushion made of Calves Leather , and with a sharp Knife , cut it into little slices , of half a fingers breadth , then wet with spittle one end of your Crystal Rods , and apply it to one of these slices , turning it upon the Cushion , to make the Gold stick ; then continue wetting it a little higher , and apply it to another slice of Gold , and do so till you have guilded all your Crystal Rods , one after another , using a little white Cotton , to press your Gold , and make it stick . This done , put them to dry in an Oven , after the Bread is taken out ; when they are dry , apply another lay of Gold to them , and then dry them ; do thus seven times , so that each Crystal Rod be covered with seven lays of Gold .

Then powder grosly all of them guilded and dried , and put them into a Crucible , which set in a Wind-Furnace , give a great fire , and continue it , till your matter be melted ; then take it out , and powder it , it will look yellow : let your powder be very fine .

Put this powder into a long-necked Matrass , and put to it a dragm of the Salt , called the Salt Anatron , or the Salt of Glass ; it is the fix'd Salt which sticks to the bottom of the Kettles , where Salt-peter is boyled : if you can come by none of this Salt Anatron , put in common Sea-Salt decrepitated , and pour upon it also Spirit of Salt , well rectified , and devested of its flegm , four or five fingers above the matter : this Spirit being whet and sharpened by the addition of the Salt Anatron , or common Salt , will corrode and dissolve the said Gold , in three or four hours , without fire , and in this action will lose its force ; so that it will have no Acrimony left , but only a pleasant acidity , and it will be impregnated with the Tincture of Gold ; in the mean tim● , it will not operate at all upon the Crystal , which will remain in the bottom of your Vessel , in its own substance , fit for other uses , as we shall teach hereafter . When you see your Spirit well tinged with the colour of Gold , then pour it off , and put to your matter the like quantity of the Salt Anatron , or of Sea-Salt decrepitated , in its place , and as much rectified Spirit of Salt , to draw off another Tincture ; and do so as long as your Spirit does draw any Tincture , and till it come away as sharp as it went in . Put your Tinctures together , they will make a Potable Gold , as yellow as a Topaz , and of no taste . If you put them into a small glass Body , with a Head of the same , in a Lamp-fire , and draw off by Distillation half your Dissolvant , there will remain a Tincture of Gold , more lively , and acid , and also potable .

Obs. 1. That we use Crystal as an intermedium , for Gold , which without any intermedium , could not be calcin'd , but would melt : and if it be not calcin'd , then it will not dissolve in so gentle a Dissolvant , as Spirit of Salt . Now there is no intermedium better than Crystal , for all other Metals would melt , and mingle with Gold ; Minerals , besides their metallick qualities , would also impart to the Gold the Corrosion , and Acrimony of their Salts : but , Crystal containing but a very little Salt , and a great deal of Earth , it does not mingle , nor communicate to the Gold any Acrimony , and yet by the driness of its substance , it hinders the melting of Gold , and so furthers its calcination .

Obs. 2. That the Gold and Crystal being calcin'd , are powder'd ; because , that so the Gold is easier to be dissolved by so gentle a Dissolvant , as Spirit of Salt .

Obs. 3. That we use Spirit of Salt to dissolve Gold , already calcin'd ; because , that though there be more powerful Dissolvants , ( as Aqua fortis made with fine Niter , and deflegmated Vitriol , or Colcothar ; as also , Aqua regalis , which is made with Niter , Vitriol , and Salt Armoniack ) yet these Dissolvants are too corrosive , before and after the dissolution of the Gold to be potable , and the Spirits of Vitriol , or Sulphur are not sharp enough ; so that the Spirit of Salt alone , has force enough to dissolve Gold , and make it potable after its dissolution ; and yet this Spirit must be rectified too , and whet and sharpened by the addition of Salt Anatron , or common Salt decrepitated .

Obs. 4. That the Crystal which remains in the Matrass , after the dissolution , must be well dulcorated , or sweetened , and then may serve for a Dentrifice , or cleanse Teeth , by wetting a corner of a Towel in common Water , and then putting it into the said powder , and with it rub your Teeth : or , it may serve to make the Salt of Crystal , as we have said already .

Obs. 5. That the Gold is potable , but as long as it remains dissolved in the said Spirit of Salt , and that you must not mingle it with any Liquor whatsoever ; for , if you do , it will precipitate your Gold into a yellow powder ; and so you will lose your Tincture .

Obs. 6. That potable Gold , is nothing but Leaves of Gold calcin'd with Crystal , and dissolved in rectified Spirit of Salt .

It s Vse and Vertues : It cannot be doubted , but that this Potable Gold has the vertues of Spirit of Salt , that is , it is excellent against pestilential and putrid Feavers , to purifie the Blood , drive out Gravel , whiten the Teeth ; and also , it may be said to have the vertue of the Water of Pearls , and being thus prepared , consumes all sharp humors in the Body , as Pearls thus prepared do : so that it is not without reason , that this Remedy is esteemed as good against Cancres and venomous Ulcers , and pestilential Feavers . The Dose is , six or eight drops in some Broth , or appropriated Water : and for the Teeth , you may put a spoonful of it in two spoonfuls of Rose-Water , or Flower of Orange , or Jasmin . It has likewise the vertue of preserving your Wine in your Cellar for many years , by putting about half a pound of this Potable Gold into a Hogshead of Wine ; but except it be very rare Wine indeed , and that you desire to have it of many years , it would cost you more than it would be worth .

The Salt of Vitriol , or the Crystals of Venus .

TAke Verdigreece , or Spanish Green , as much as you please , powder it in a Brass Mortar , and stop your Nose close , left the venomous vapours should poyson you ; put it into an ample Matrass , with a long neck , so that it be three quarters empty ; pour upon it good distilled Vinegar , so that your Matrass be almost quite full , place it in a Sand-fire , and by fitting to it another Matrass , make a double Vessel of it , in twelve hours time you will have a blew Tincture , like true Turquoises ; pour off this Tincture into a stone Pan ; pour on more distilled Vinegar upon the Faeces , to extract a new Tincture ; and do this till there remain nothing but brown Faeces in the bottom of your Matrass : then take a glass Cucurbite , and apply to the bottom of it a leaden , or iron Ring , tied to it by four pack-threads , which are fastened to a pack-thread tied about the body of the Cucurbite ; put all your Tinctures into this Cucurbite , which set in a Kettle full of Water , where it cannot swim , nor lean more on one side than the other , because of the weight it has at the bottom ; draw off the distilled Vinegar , till you see that there is a thin skin begun to be formed upon your Tincture ; then take out your Cucurbite , and set it in a cool place , as a Cellar : in three or four days there will be in the bottom , and upon the sides of your Vessel , divers Crystals of a lovely blew-like Turquoises .

This done , pour off by inclination , all the Water that is not congealed , and evaporate it in a Cucurbite , in a Balneum Mariae , as has been said already ; reiterating the evaporation , and crystallization of the said Water or Tincture , till there remain very little of it .

Then put together all your Crystals into another Matrass , pour upon them distilled Vinegar , enough to dissolve them ; you may make use of that Vinegar , which you drew off from your first Tincture ; place your Matrass in a Sand-fire , and make a double Vessel of it ; in three or four hours time , the dissolution of your Crystals being done , filter it while it is warm through a brown Paper , and receive your filtration in a stone Pan ; there will congeal in this Pan , great quantities of Crystals , which will change their blew colour , into a green one , like Emeralds , and half transparent . Pour off by inclination the Water that shall not congeal ; then set your Crystals in the Sun , to dry them well , and when they are well dryed , take them out of the Pan , and put them into a glass Vial , well stopp'd , to keep for your use .

Obs. 1. That to extract the Salt of Venus or Copper , we use Verdigreece ; because that Verdigreece is nothing but Venus dissolv'd , extracted , and calcin'd Philosophically by the acid Spirit of Wine : Now it is impossible to extract the Salt of any Body , before it be calcin'd ; and as for Metals , they cannot be calcin'd otherwise than Philosophically , that is , by the corrosion of some acid Spirits ; for fire , though never so violent , can but melt them , and evaporate some part of them .

Obs. 2. That we use here distilled Vinegar , to dissolve Verdigreece , and extract its Tincture and Salt ; because it contains but little of a tartareous Salt , or Salt of Tartar , which being joined with the Salt of Venus cannot hurt ; but Aqua fortis , Aqua regalis , the Spirit of Niter , Brimstone , or Vitriol , contain a great deal of corrosive Salt , which would alter the Salt of Venus , and make it corrosive , being joyned with it ; for , it cannot crystallize without them .

Obs. 3. That you must use here glass and stone Vessels , and not of vernish'd , or glaz'd Potters Earth ; because , that the sharpness of the Verdigreece would corrode the glazing , and impregnating its self with Lead , would spoil the brightness of your Crystals ; and if your Vessel were unglazed , then the Verdigreece having , by its dissolution in distill'd Vinegar , acquired a singular sharpness , and penetration , would insinuate , and lose its self in the pores of the Vessel .

Obs. 4. That we distil , and evaporate the Tincture of Verdigreece , in a gentle heat of Balneum Mariae , lest in a greater heat , the sulphureous part , and volatil Salt of Venus should exhale , and be gone , since it is in that sulphureous part , that consists the greatest vertue of this Remedy , and it is it , that contributes most to the crystallization .

Obs. 5. That the Crystals of Venus change their blew dark colour , into a green transparent one , by the means of reiterated dissolutions , and crystallizations ; which Operations , do purifie these Crystals from their blew terrestreity ; and that the true colour of the purified Salt of Venus , is to be as green as an Emerald .

Obs. 6. That the Crystals of Venus are nothing else , but the Salt of Venus extracted from the Calx of Venus , which is Verdigreece , by a gentle Dissolvant , which is distilled Vinegar : then after evaporation of half of the Dissolvant , crystallized in a cool place .

It s Vse and Vertues : It is a powerful Diuretick , and Desiccative , and therefore most excellent against Gonorrhaea's . It s Dosis is , from three to six grains , in a Pill of Turpentine , that has been boyl'd to a consistence of Colophone , continuing to take of it three days together . There may be also drawn out of it a Spirit , fit to precipitate all sorts of Dissolutions .

The Crystals , or Salt , or Vitriol of Mars .

TAke five or six pound of the opening Saffron of Mars , called commonly , Crocus Martis aperitivus , as it has been described in this Book ; powder it in a Mortar , and searce it through a silken Sieve , then throw it by spoonfuls into a Kettle of ten or twelve quarts of boyling Water , stirring it continually for two hours together , with a Ladle , or Spatula of Iron , till the Water be half boyled away ; then take off your Kettle , and filtrate your Liquor while it is warm , through a brown Paper ; evaporate your Filtration in a Sand-fire , to the Pellicule , in stone or glass Vessels , and afterwards set them in the Cellar ; in two days there will be a good many green transparent Crystals , sticking to the sides and bottom of your Pans . Pour off by inclination the Water that is not congealed , and evaporate it again , and crystallize it : then gather all your Crystals together , and put them into a glass Vial well stopp'd . As for the powder of Mars devested of its Salt , which will remain in your Coffins of brown Paper after filtration , dry it , and keep it to make the Astringent , or binding Saffron of Mars .

Obs. 1. That to extract the Salt of Mars , we take the opening Saffron of Mars ; because it is nothing but Mars calcin'd by the means of Brimstone , and a Reverberatory fire . Now , it is not possible to have the Salt of Mars , if it have not been first calcin'd : and it cannot be calcin'd by fire alone , which would only melt it , as it does other Metals ; you must therefore calcine it Philosophically with Brimstone , whose Salt and Spirit corrodes and calcines Mars .

Obs. 2. That to extract the Salt of the Crocus Martis aperitivus , it is enough to powder and searce it , and throw it into a great quantity of boiling Water , which has force enough to draw to it the Salt of the Calx of Mars , or Croous Martis aperitivus .

Obs. 3. That the Crystals of Mars are of a green transparent colour ; because that Mars is drawn out of a vitriolick Earth , which indeed does contain nothing but pure Vitriol , which by the violence of fire , is changed into a metallick Body , the hardest and blackest of all Metals ; and being opened by the Agents and Dissolvants of Chymistry , doth communicate this colour .

Obs. 4. That if you do not keep these Crystals in a Vial well stopp'd , as soon as the Air comes to them , they will be covered with a kind of white Meal , which will spoil their transparency , and greenness ; and that Mars being a very dry Metal , and for this reason , the hardest and less flexible of all the Metals , it easily dries , and is converted into this white mealy substance .

Obs. 5. That these Crystals of Mars , are nothing but the Salt of Mars , extracted out of the opening Calx of Mars , by the sweetest of all Dissolvants , which is common Water , boiling hot , then evaporated , and crystallized .

It s Vse and Vertues : It is an opener , or aperitive , much stronger than the opening Saffron of Mars , because it is the pure Salt of Mars , separated from its terrestrial indissolvable part ; and is therefore excellent against the Green Sickness , the Yellow Jaundice , and to provoke the Monthly Courses . The Dose is from a scruple to a dragm in Broth , or some Syrup : you may add to it a dragm of the Extract of Savin , to augment its vertue .

The Astringent , or binding Saffron of Mars .

TAke the powder of Crocus Martis aperitivus , which remains in the Coffin of brown Paper ; after you have filtred the Dissolution of the said Crocus Martis aperitivus in common Water , which powder will be then devested of all its Salt of Mars : fill with it a Pot of Potters Earth unglazed , place this Pot in the Furnace of the great Reverberatory Fire , and give the Fire for eight and forty hours ; then take off your Pot , and break it , and while it is hot , powder your matter in a Brass Mortar , and then set it in the air upon a Board , or upon a Marble Stone ; when it is quite cold , searce it through a silk Sieve , and keep it in wooden , or glass Vessels .

Obs. 1. That though the said powder of Mars be devested of its Salt , yet we reverberate it a great while , that so all its Salt may evaporate , and the Remedy be the more Astringent , which is the only intention it is to answer .

Obs. 2. That we use not a glaz'd Pot , lest in the reverberation the glazing should melt by the violent heat of the Fire , and mingle with the Mars .

Obs. 3. That we powder the said Mars , while it is warm , that we may powder it easilier , and make a finer powder of it .

Obs. 4. That we searce it through a Silk Sieve , that so we may make it so impalpable , as that in passing through the Stomach , it leaves no hard gravelous substance , that might offend the Coats of the Stomach , or Intestines .

Obs. 5. That the Astringent Saffron of Mars , is nothing but Mars calcin'd Philosophically , by Fire and Brimstone , devested of its Salt , by its dissolution in common Water , then reverberated , powdered , and searsed , to be reduced to an impalpable powder .

It s Vse and Vertues : It is a powerful Astringent inwardly taken ; and exteriourly applied , it stops the Bloody Flux , the Hepatick Flux , and all Diarrhaea's . Its Dose is , from half a dragm to two , in some Conserve , or Preserve , or Bolus : It stops likewise bleeding of the Nose , by powdering some Cotton with this powder , and filling the Nostrils with the Cotton thus powdered .