The Archidoxies of Magic
by PARACELSUS
A Rendition from the english of R. Turner
Table of Contents
Introduction to This Rendition
Paracelsus's Prologue
Treatise Number One
Chapter I: Of Simple Fire
Chapter II: Of the Multiplicity of Fire
Chapter III: Of the Spirit, or Tincture, of the Sun
Chapter IV: Of the Spirit, or Tincture, of the Moon
Chapter V: Of the Spirits of Venus
Chapter VI: Of the Spirit of Mars
ChapterVII: Of the Spirits of Jupiter
Chapter VIII: Of the Spirit of Saturn
Chapter IX: Of the Gross Spirit of Mercury
Treatise Number Two
Chapter I: Of What the Tinctures and Leavens are Made
Chapter II: Of the Conjunction of Male and Female, of Man and Woman
Chapter III: Of the Form of the Instruments of Glass
Chapter IV: Of the Properties of the Fire
Chapter V: Of the Signs Appearing in the Union of Conjuction
Chapter VI: Of the Knowledge of the Perfect Tincture
Chapter VII: To Augment or Multiply the Tinctures
Treatise Number Three
Chapter I: Of the Building of the Furnace; and of the Fire
Chapter II: Of the Conjuction of the Male with the Female
ChapterIII: Of the Copulation of the Male and Female
Chapter IV: Of the Philosophical Conjuction of the Man and Woman
Chapter V: Of the Black Color
Chapter VI: Of the Buds Springing and Appearing in the Glass
Chapter VII: Of the Red Color
Chapter VIII: Of the Augmentation or Multiplication Hereof
The Conclusion
Introduction to This Rendition
Paracelsus, Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim (1493-1541) ; Archidoxes Magicae, published in Huser edition of Cologne,
1589 and Strassburg, 1603; translated into English by Robert Turner, 1655, published, 1656. Second English edition, The Archidoxes of Magic, Samuel
Weiser, 1975.
In the Introduction to the Weiser edition, Stephen Skinner says,
"Paracelsus' medical theory ... was closely related to natural philosophy, experience and observation.
"Paracelsus' system was based on Neoplatonic Philosophy in which the life of man is regarded as inseparable from that of the universe. For
him, the scriptural limus terrae from which the body of men is created is in reality an extract of all beings previously created. It is primarily a
compound of 'salt', 'sulpher' and 'mercury' ; the separation of these elements in man being the cause of sickness. This separation is due to the
failure of the archaeus (the vital force situated in the stomach) in performing its function of separating the useful from the poisonous."
Paracelsus's Prologue
Having first invoked the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior, we will initiate this Work. We shall not only teach how to make an inferior metal into
a better one (as iron into copper, this into silver, and that into gold), and also how to help all infirmities whose cure, to the opinionated and presumptuous
Physicians, seems impossible. But, what is greater, how to preserve and keep mortal men to a long, sound, and perfect age. This art was, by our Lord God,
the Supreme Creator, engraved, as it were, in a book in the body of metals, at the time of Creation, that we might with diligence learn from them.
Therefore, when any man desires, thoroughly and perfectly, to learn this art from its true foundation, it will be necessary that he learn the same from the
Master thereof, to wit, from God. For God has created all things and is the only one who knows what nature and quality he has placed in every created
thing. So, he is able to teach everyone, certainly and perfectly. From him we may learn absolutely, as he has spoken, saying, "Of me ye shall learn all
things." There is nothing found in Heaven nor in Earth so secret whose properties he does not perceive. He most exactly knows and sees, since it is he
who has created all things. We will, therefore, take him to be our Master, Operator, and Leader into this most true art. We will, therefore, imitate him
alone, and through him learn and attain to the knowledge of that Nature which he himself, with his own finger, has engraved and inscribed in the bodies of
these metals. Hereby, it will come to pass, that the most high, Lord God, shall bless all the creatures through us, and shall sanctify all our ways. Only then,
in this work, can we bring our beginning to its desired end. The consequence, thereof, will be to produce exceeding great joy and love in our hearts.
But if any one shall follow his own personal opinion, he will not only greatly deceive himself, but also all others who cleave and adhere to him. And he
shall bring them all to loss, for mankind is certainly born in ignorance, so that he can neither know nor understand anything by himself, but only that
which he receives from God, and understands from Nature. He who learns nothing from these is like the heathen masters and philosophers, who follow
the subtilties and crafts of their own inventions and opinions. Such as these are Aristotle, Hippocrates, Avicenna, and Galen. They grounded all their Arts
upon their own opinions only. If at any time they learned anything from Nature, they destroyed it again with their own fantasies, dreams, or inventions,
before they came to the end thereof. Thus, by them and their followers, there is nothing perfect at all to be found.
This, therefore, has moved and induced us to write a unique book of alchemy, founded not by men, but upon Nature itself. Upon those virtues and powers
which God, with his own finger, has impressed in metals.Of this impression Mercurius Trismegistus was an imitator, even though he is not undeservedly
called the Father of all wise men. He is father, also, of all those that follow this art with love and with earnest desire to demonstrate and teach that God
alone is the sole author, cause, and original of all creatures in this art. But he does not attribute the power and virtue of God to the creatures, or visible
things, as the said heathen and such-like did.
Now, since all art ought to be learned from the Trinity; that is, from God the Father, from God the Son of God, our savior Jesus Christ, and from God the
Holy Ghost, three distinct persons, but one God, we will, therefore, divide this our alchemical work into three parts, or treatises:
In the first part whereof, we will lay down what the art contains in itself and what is the inherent property and nature of every metal;
Secondly, by what means may one work and bring the powers and strength of metals to effect; and,
Thirdly, what Tinctures are to be produced from the Sun and Moon.
Treatise Number One
Chapter I: Of Simple Fire.
In the first place, we shall endeavor and undertake to declare what this art comprehends. What is the subject thereof and what is its domain.
The prime and chief subject belonging to this art, is fire, which always lives through one and the same quality and operation. Nor can it receive life from
anything else. It has a condition and power of vivification, as have all fires that lie hid in secret things. It is not otherwise, then, that the Sun, appointed by
God, heats all the things in the world, whether secret, apparent or manifest. The spheres of Mars, Saturn, Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, and Luna can give no
other light except what they borrow from the Sun, for they are dead of themselves. Nevertheless, when they are kindled, as above is spoken, they work
and operate according to their own properties.
The Sun receives its light from no other but from God himself, who rules it by himself, so that he burns and shines in it. It is not otherwise in this art. The
fire in the furnace is comparable to the Sun, which heats the furnace and the vessels, just as the Sun in the great world does. Even as nothing can be
brought forth in the world without the Sun, so likewise, in this art, nothing can be made without it. It is the greatest secret of this art. It embraces all things
which are included therein. It can not be comprehended in any other, for it abides by itself and lacks nothing. But other things, which lack it, do enjoy it
and get life from it. That is why we have, in the first place, undertaken to declare it.
Treatise Number One
Chapter II: Of the Multiplicity of Fire.
from which arises varieties of metals.
We have first written of Simple Fire which lives and subsists of itself. Now we come to speak of a manifold spirit, or fire, which is the cause of variety
and diversity among creatures, so that there cannot be found one just alike and the same every part as another. This may be seen in metals, of which there
is not one which has another like itself. The Sun produces his gold; the Moon produces another metal far different, to wit, silver; Mars, another, that is to
say, iron; Jupiter produces another kind of metal, to wit, tin; Venus, another, which is copper; and Saturn, another kind, that is to say, lead. They are all
unlike and several, one from another. The same appears to be true, as well amongst men, as with all other creatures. The cause of this is the multiplicity of
fire. Similarly, generation, which comes through corruption, can be produced variously: one by moderate heat; another by the washing of the sea; ashes,
another; sand, another; flame of fire, another; and another by coals, and so forth.
This variety of creatures is not made of the first Simple Fire, but of the regiment of elements, which is various. Not of the Sun, but from the course of the
seven planets. And this is the reason that the world contains nothing of similitude in its individuals. For, as the heat is altered and changed every hour and
minute, so also all other things are varied. The transmutation of the fire is made in the elements, in which bodies it is imprinted by this fire. Where there is
no great mixture of the elements, the Sun brings forth. Where it is a little more thick, the Moon; where more gross, Venus. Thus, according to the diversity
of mixtures, are produced diverse metals. No metal appears from one mine like that from another.
It is, therefore, known that this variety of metals is made of the mixture of the Elements, because their spirits are always found diverse and without
similitude. If they were brought forth from the Simple Fire, they would be so alike, that one could not be known from another, But metals are manifold in
variety of forms; therefore, the same multiplicity must be introduced among all creatures. From this it may easily be gathered, why so many and so
various forms of metals are found, and why there is none like another.
Treatise Number One
Chapter III: Of the Spirit, or Tincture, of the Sun
Now we come to the spirits of the Planets, or metals. The spirit, or tincture, of the Sun has its being from a pure, subtle, and perfect fire. By virtue of this,
it far excels all other spirits, and tinctures, of metals. For it remains constantly fixed when put in the fire, out of which it does not flee. Neither is it
consumed thereby, much less burnt, but rather appears more clear, fair and pure by it. Also, neither heat nor cold can hurt it, nor any accident. Not so in
the other spirits, or tinctures, of metals. This is why. The body which it once puts on, it defends from all accidents and diseases, so that it may be able to
withstand the fire without detriment. This body has not this power and virtue in itself, but from the spirit of the Sun which is included therein. We know
that the Sun is the body of Mercury, and that this body cannot withstand or suffer fire, but flees from it. However, it does not flee from the fire when it is
in the Sun, but remains constant and fixed therein. This affords a most certain Judgment; that is, it receives such a constancy from this spirit, or tincture of
the Sun. If that spirit can do this to Mercury, every one may judge that it may work the same in the bodies of men, when it is received in them. We have
sufficiently spoken, in our Magna Chiurgia, of the tincture of the Sun, that it will not only restore and preserve them that use it from infirmities, but also
preserve them to sound and long life. In like manner, the strength and virtues of all other metals are to be known from true experience, not from the
wisdom of men and of the world, which is foolishness with God and his truth. And all those who build upon that wisdom, and repose their hope thereupon
are miserably deceived.
Treatise Number One
Chapter IV: Of the Spirit, or Tincture, of the Moon
Having now spoken of the tincture of the Sun, it remains to speak of the tincture of the Moon, the white tincture. It is also created of a perfect spirit, but
less perfect than the spirit of the Sun. Nevertheless, it excels the tinctures of the remaining metals, both in purity and subtlty.
This is very well known to all who study the Moon, and also rusticks. The Tincture of the Moon does not rust, neither is it consumed by fire, as are all
other metals. Saturn flies from the fire, but the Moon does not. It may be gathered, therefore, that this tincture is far more excellent than those that follow.
It preserves its assumed body with constancy in the fire, without any accident or detriment. Futhermore, if Mercury is made thus by the Tincture of the
Moon, what will be the effect of this Spirit, or Tincture, if extracted from itself and put into another body? Will it not also save and defend from
infirmities and accidents after the same manner? Yes, surely. If it makes this Mercury in its own body, then it will do the same in the bodies of men.
Neither does it only preserve health, but it causes long life, and cures diseases and infirmities, even in those who subsist beyond the ordinary course of
nature. The more high, subtile and perfect the medicine is, so much the better and more perfectly it cures.
They are ignorant physicians, who practice their art only upon vegetables, as herbs and such-like things. By these things which are easily corrupted, they
endeavor to effect and bring to pass such works that are firm and stable. Such works are in vain, it is just as though their dreams are filled with air. But
why should we speak much concerning them? They never learned any better things in their universities. Since they have been compelled so to learn and
study from their beginning, they think it a great disgrace to them to do otherwise for the future. Thus it has come to pass, that they still continue in their
old ignorance.
Treatise Number One
Chapter V: Of the Spirits of Venus
We have even now made mention of a white spirit, or candid tincture, Now we come to speak of a Red Spirit, which is derived out of a gross elementary
mixture of the superiors, to which also it is joined. It is of a more perfect substance, than the spirits and tinctures of the other subsequent metals. This is
known because it endures the fire longer and is not so soon melted or dissolved as the other spirits which follow. Also, the air and the humidity of the fire
are not so noxious to it, as it is to Mars. This power and property of the body of Venus is from the spirit that is infused into it. Now the same effect that it
works in its own body it also produces in the bodies of men, so far as nature has granted to it. It preserves wounds so that no accident can invade them, nor
the air or water hurt them. It expels all such diseases as are under the degree thereof. This spirit also breaks the body of metals, so that they will not endure
the hammer; also in the bodies of men, when it is taken of them with whom it agrees not, it loosens the bowels. It is very necessary, that the physician that
desires to make use of these spirits, be very expert in the knowledge of metals.
Therefore, it is far better to use the more perfect spirits, which may be taken without any such fear of danger. Nevertheless, seeing the spirits of the Sun
and Moon are dear and precious, so that everyone is not able to acquire them for cures, everyone must take according to his ability, what he is able to
obtain. Also, everyone is not so wealthy that he is able to prepare these medicines; so he is forced to take such as he can have. Everyone may from this
easily gather, that the metal-like medicines far exceed vegetables and animals in strength and power of curing and healing. Enough of the spirit of Venus.
Treatise Number One
Chapter VI: Of the Spirit of Mars
Now we come to speak of the spirit of Mars, which is a more gross and combustible mixture of elements, than the other spirits we spoke of before. The
spirit of Mars is endued with a greater hardness than the other metals, so that it does not so easily melt and dissolve in the fire, as the following metals,
But it suffers much hurt both by the water and the air, so that it is consumed by them, and is burnt with the fire, as experience makes apparent. Although
the spirit of Mars is more imperfect than any of the superior spirits, in hardness and dryness it exceeds all other metals, both superior and inferior. It not
only retains a perfect substance, and resists the hammer, as the Sun and Moon, but also as those which are within itself, that is, Jupiter and Saturn. Since it
works thus in metals, it has the same effect in the bodies of men; that is, it produces reluctance especially when it is taken for loose bowels, and it
grievously afflicts the members with pain. Nevertheless, when it is taken and applied for wounds, such as do not exceed its own degree, it cleans and
sterilizes them, etc. So this spirit is not much less in power and virtue than one of the superiors, in those things for which it was by God and Nature
ordained.
Treatise Number One
ChapterVII: Of the Spirits of Jupiter
Of the spirit of Jupiter, we know that it is derived from a white and a pale substance of fire; but it is of a frangible and brittle nature, not enduring the
hammer, as Mars does. An example of its brittle nature appears if it be mixed with the Moon, which can then hardly be wrought to its first
malleation,without great labor. The same effect it has in all other metals, except in Saturn alone. And the same operation which it has in the bodies of
metals, it also produces in the human bodies. It burns and corrodes the members, hindering them from their own perfect operations, thereby disabling
them from performing the work which nature requires of them. Nevertheless, this spirit has in it this virtue, that it takes away the ulcers of cancers, sistulas
the like, especially such as exceed not the degree of its nature which God and Nature have given to it.
Treatise Number One
Chapter VIII: Of the Spirit of Saturn
The spirit of Saturn is formed and created of a dry, cold and black mixture of the elements. Amongst all other metals, it endures least in the fire. Whereas
the Sun and Moon are durable, if Saturn is added to them, it clearly refines them, even though their hardness is diminished. It has the same operation in
the bodies of men, but with great pain and suffering, like Jupiter and Mars. Because of the mixture that it has with the cold, it cannot so mildly operate.
But it has great power and virtue in the cures of sistulas, cancers, and ulcers, which are under the degree and nature thereof. It expels external diseases,
and the outward impurities of the Moon. Nevertheless, if it is not carefully applied, it does more hurt than good. Therefore, he that would use it correctly,
ought necessarily to know the nature of it, and what diseases it cures, and may be applied to. When this necessity is considered, no hurt will follow
thereby.
Treatise Number One
Chapter IX: Of the Gross Spirit of Mercury
The spirit of Mercury, which is only subjected to the other superior spirits, has no certain determinate form or substance in itself. Thus it is that it admits
every other metal, even as wax receives the impression of all forms of seals. This elementary spirit is compared to the other spirits of metals, for if it
receives into itself the spirit of the Sun, gold shall be made out of it; if the Moon, silver is made out of it. This spirit works the same effect with all the
other metals with which it agrees, and it receives their properties into itself. Because of this, according to its body, it is appropriated to the other spirits
above written, even as the male to the female. For the Sun is the body of Mercury, except only that the Sun fastens and fixes the Mercury; but the common
Mercury is inconstant and volatile. Nevertheless it is subject to all the spirits before mentioned, and generates again, not only the metal-like spirits and
tinctures before spoken of, but the metal itself, by which the above named tinctures come into their operation. But if moderation is not observed, it will be
impossible ever to bring those kinds of tinctures to perfection. For if the fire is too high to vivify this tincture, it extinguishes it, so that it cannot operate. It
has the same effect if it is too weak. Therefore, it is necessary to know what medium is to be observed in this art, and what are the strengths and properties
of it. Also, after what manner it is to be brought to a perfect work, that they may germinate and appear. Thus briefly do we conclude and end our first
treatise.
TheArchidoxies of Magic
Treatise Number Two
Of the Philosophers Mercury, and the Medium of Tinctures
In the first treatise we have written of the spirits and tinctures of metals, declaring all their properties and natures, and what every metal generates. In the
seven chapters following of this second treatise, we shall treat of the medium of tinctures, that is, of the Philosopher's Mercury. In this medium are made
the tinctures and leaven of metals.
Treatise Number Two
Chapter I: Of What the Tinctures and Leavens are Made
Whoever desires to have the tincture of metals ought to take the Philosopher's Mercury and cast it into its own end, that is, into quick Mercury, from
whence it proceeds. Hereby the Philsopher's Mercury shall be dissolved in the quick Mercury, and shall receive its strength. Then the Mercury of the
Philosophers will kill the quick Mercury and cause it to remain fixed in the fire the same as it does. There is the like concordance between these
Mercuries, as is between male and female, man and wife. They are both derived from the gross spirits of the metals, except that the body of Sol remains
firm and fixed in the fire, but the quick Mercury does not. Nevertheless, they may be appropriated one into the other, as grains of corn or seeds are to the
earth. We will demonstrate this by an example. If any one sows barley, the same he shall reap; if wheat or rye, or any other grain, the same he shall gather,
etc. Even so it is in this art. If any one sows the gold of Sol, the same he reaps; or of the Moon, so shall he gather; and so also of all other metals. For this
reason we say here that the tinctures spring out of metals, that is out of the Philosopher's Mercury, and not from the quick Mercury; but this produces the
seed which first conceives.
Treatise Number Two
Chapter II: Of the Conjunction of Male and Female, of Man and Woman
It is first of all necessary to know how much Mercury of the Philosophers, and how much quick Mercury, are both to be conjoined and firmly united and
fixed together. Neither more nor less than equal, is to be taken, lest it hinders, or altogether destroys the whole work. The seed is suffocated with
superfluity, so that it cannot live long enough to be joined and fixed to the Philsopher's Mercury. But if there is too little, so that it cannot be dissolved into
a body, it is also destroyed, and is not able to bring forth any fruit. Therefore, the artificer ought certainly to know how much of the one and the other
ought to be taken, if he would bring this work to its perfect end. The recipe thereof is this: Take one part to two, or three to four, and you can not err, but
shall attain to your desired end.
Treatise Number Two
Chapter III: Of the Form of the Instruments of Glass
The materials once correctly and properly prepared and mixed together, you must then have glass vessels of proper proportion, fitness and capacity;
neither too large nor too small. For if the vessels are too big, the female, that is, the phlegm, is dispersed and lost, so that the seed cannot bring forth.
When the vessels are too little, the growth is suffocated and it cannot come to fruit. It is the same as if seeds were sown under trees or thorns, so that they
cannot bud and spring up, but perish without fruiting. Therefore, no little error may happen on account of the vessels, which being once commited cannot
anymore be mended in the same work. Neither can that work be perfected or brought to any good end. Therefore, note what follows, to wit, that you take
three ounces with the half, and four pounds, so that what proceeds will be correct. You must protect the matter so that it will not be dispersed, nor the
phlegm or the generation be impeded, etc.
Treatise Number Two
Chapter IV: Of the Properties of the Fire
When you have placed the matter in fit vessels, you shall carefully keep and maintain the natural heat. Do not allow the external heat to overcome or
exceed the internal. If the heat is too much, no conjuction can be made, since the matter will be dispersed and burned by the vehemency of the heat. Then
no good shall arise. The middle region of the air is by nature ordained between heaven and earth so that the Sun and stars will not burn up all the creatures
on earth, in which case nothing could be produced or spring forth from it. Similarly, you should work. Put an airy distance between the matter and the fire.
Let it be done after this manner so that the heat will not easily do harm in any way, nor disperse the matter, much less burn it. If the fire is too little, and
not quick enough, the spirit then rests. With nothing operating on the humidity of the fire it will not be desiccated nor fixed. For the spirits of metals are
dead of themselves. They are at rest. They cannot at all operate by themselves, unless they are quickened by the fire. It is not otherwise in this world,
where seed being cast into the earth are dead and can neither grow nor increase of themselves. They must be quickened by the heat of the Sun. It is most
necessary, therefore, in this work to erect and build the fire correctly and proportionately; neither too great nor too slight. Otherwise, this work will never
be brought to a perfect end.
Treatise Number Two
Chapter V: Of the Signs Appearing in the Union of Conjuction
The fire being moderately kept and maintained, the matter by little and little will be moved to blackness. Then, when the dryness begins to work upon the
humidity, there will arise in the glass various flowers of diverse colors. It will appear like the tail of a Peacock, such as no one ever saw before.
Sometimes the glass appears as if it were almost drawn into gold. If this is perceived, it shows, certainly, that the seed of the male rules and operates upon
the seed of the female which becomes fixed. That is, this Mercury is fixed and works upon the quick Mercury, and begins to be mixed with it. Afterwards,
when the humidity is worn away by the dryness, those colors will disperse, and the matter then begins, at length, to wax white. So it proceeds, until it
comes to the highest degree of whiteness. It is to be noted, especially, that the thing is not to be hastened. This work is like that which is discerned in the
production of corn and of mankind. The time for bringing forth the one is in the space of nine months; the other, ten or twelve months. For the Sun and
Moon cause maturity, and bring to the birth the infant from the belly of his mother, and the grain from the bowels of the earth, respectively. Everything
that is quickly or hastily made or born, soon perishes. Both men and herbs afford an example of this. Those which are soonest born or produced, their life
is shortest. The Sun and Moon cause a far more perfect nature in men, which brings long life to them, and preserves them from many accidents and
diseases.
Treatise Number Two
Chapter VI: Of the Knowledge of the Perfect Tincture
In the foregoing chapter, we have set forth how the matter itself works by degrees. But in this, we shall declare, by what means it may be known when it is
perfect. Take the white stone of the Moon, by which the white springs, and separate a little piece from it with a pair of scissors. Put it upon a plate of
copper and heat it to a glowing heat in the fire. If it smokes, then the stone is not perfect. In that case, let it remain longer in the decoction, until the stone
comes to its degree of perfection. But if it does not smoke, then be asssured it is perfect. The same is to be done with the Red stone of the Sun, in the
degrees of the operation on it.
Treatise Number Two
Chapter VII: To Augment or Multiply the Tinctures
When you would multiply or increase the Tincture you have found, mix it together again with common Mercury. Work it in all things, as at first, and
double one part a hundred times more than it was colored before. Do this often over and over again, until you have as much matter as you will. The longer
it remains in the fire, the higher and more sublime will the degrees of it be;
When finished one part of it will change an infinite amount of the quick Mercury into the best and most perfect Luna or Sol. Now you have the whole
progression from the beginning to the end. With this, we end this Second Treatise and begin the Third.
The Archidoxies of Magic
Treatise Number Three
What Tinctures are to be Produced from the Sun and Moon.
In the Second Treatise, we have told how the Tinctures, or Leavens, ought to be made. In the third, we shall declare, and amply set forth, how these
Tinctures of the Sun and Moon are made. Also with what instruments Sol and the other Planets are made; namely, the furnace and the fire.
Treatise Number Three
Chapter I: Of the Building of the Furnace; and of the Fire
Mercurius Hermes Trismegistus, says that he who would perfect this art, must, as it were, build a new World. In the same way that God created the
Heaven and Earth, the furnace with the fire is to be built and governed. First, let there be a furnace built of the height of six spans. Measure the span from
the top of the fingers to the thumb. In breadth make this furnace one hand. Make it rounded and smooth on the inside, so the coals will not stick to it. The
bottom must slope to one side and have passages through it, each four fingers wide. Supply each of these holes with a copper cauldron, to hold the Water.
Take good and hard coals, broken into pieces the size of walnuts. With these fill the long furnace, which then is stopped up so they will not burn too fast.
Next put some coals in the holes below. If the fire is too great, lay a stone before it; if too little, stir the coals with an iron poker. This will allow the air to
circulate and so increase the heat. In this way you may keep your fire according to the true exigency of Nature. To be most fit and apt for the motion of
the matter, the heat must be neither excessive nor too low. This is comparable to the Firmament. There is also in this place another firmament. This is, of
course, the matter contained in the glass. This work will then follow the form of the world. The furnace is in the place of the Sun in the great world, which
gives light, life, and heat in the universal furnace, as well as to all instruments and any other thing contained under it.
Treatise Number Three
Chapter II: Of the Conjuction of the Male with the Female
Having treated of the furnace and the fire, wherein the Tinctures are to be prepared, we now intend to expand on how the man and woman agree, and how
they are joined together. Take the Mercury of the Philosophers, prepared and purified to its highest degree. Resolve this with his wife, quick Mercury. Just
as the woman receives the man and the man cleaves to the woman, because the man loves his wife and the woman loves her husband, so do the
Philosopher's Mercury and the quick Mercury. For they demonstrate the greatest love and are moved by Nature with a great affection towards us. So,
therefore, the one and the other Mercuries are conjoined each to the other. Even as the man joins with the woman, and she with him, one with another,
according to their bodies, so that there is no difference between them. They are congruent in their strength and properties, except the man is firm and
fixed, while the woman is volatile, in the fire. For this cause is the woman united to the man, so that she, by receiving the man, is fixed and fastened firm
and constant in any balance. They are both to be so close luted and covered, that the woman may not evaporate or breath out. Otherwise, the whole work
will come to nothing.
Treatise Number Three
ChapterIII: Of the Copulation of the Male and Female
When you have placed the man and the wife in the matrimonial bed, he may operate on her. For her to bring forth, it is necessary, and it must be that the
man have his operation upon the woman. Then the seed of the woman may be coagulated and joined together into a mass, by the seed of the man.
Otherwise, it produces no fruit.
Treatise Number Three
Chapter IV: Of the Philosophical Conjuction of the Man and Woman
Afterwards if you perceive the woman to be of a black color, then certainly be assured that she has conceived and is made pregnant. When the seed of the
woman embraces the seed of the man, this is the first sign and the key to this art. Therefore, take care, continually, to preserve the natural heat. The
blackness will appear, be dispersed, and consumed by the natural heat, just as one worm will eat and devour another. Continue until there is no blackness
remaining.
Treatise Number Three
Chapter V: Of the Black Color
When the blackness predominates, then know that the woman is pregnant. When the Peacock's Tail begins to appear; that is, when many various colors
appear on the glass, the Philosopher's Mercury begins to work on the vulgar Mercury. She stretches out her wings until she has overcome it. When the
dryness operates on the moisture, these colors appear.
Treatise Number Three
Chapter VI: Of the Buds Springing and Appearing in the Glass
When you perceive these various colors, then be constant in your work. Continue the fire, until the color of the Peacock's tail is fully consumed. Then the
matter of the Moon will appear, white and candid as snow. The vessel has brought it to the precise degree of its perfection. At last break a little piece off
of it, and put it on a copper plate in the fire. If it remains constant and firm, and keeps its Tincture, it is then the most perfect substance of Luna. This King
has strength and power, not only to transmute and change all metals, but also to cure all diseases and infirmities. This King is laudable, and adorned with
many virtues. He has so great a power that he can tranmute and change Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury, into the most constant Luna, a
veritable touch-stone. It also frees and delivers the bodies of men from infinite diseases, for example from fevers, feebleness, leprosy, and the French
disease, or Morbus Gallicus. Also from a great many other infirmities and diseases which no herb can cure or take away. Whoever makes daily use of this
medicine, shall attain to, and preserve himself in a sound and perfect long life.
Treatise Number Three
Chapter VII: Of the Red Color
After this King is imbued with a perfect whiteness, the fire is to be continued, constantly, until the whiteness begins to take on a yellow color. The longer
the heat works upon the white and dry matter, the more yellow and saffron-like will grow its color, until it is has perfect redness. By degrees the fire
works it to the highest degree of red color, when the substance of gold has been prepared. There is born an oriental king, who sits on his throne and rules
over all the princes of the world.
Treatise Number Three
Chapter VIII: Of the Augmentation or Multiplication Hereof
The multiplication of this matter is by resolving it into its moisture. Then put the fire to it to the same height as at first. It will work upon its moisture
sooner than before. It will change the same into its own substance, turning the whole quantity of the matter into the substance itself. The treasures of the
earth cannot compare to this, as there is nothing comparable in the world. Witness Augurellus.
The Conclusion
This secret was kept by the most ancient fathers among their most occult and hidden secrets. They kept this secret lest it should come into the hands of
wicked men, who might thereby be enabled better, and more fully, to accomplish their wickedness and evil ends. We, therefore, require all you who shall
attain to this gift of God, that you imitate the fathers, and secretly use and preserve this divine Mystery. For if you tread it under your feet, or cast these
pearls before swine, you shall receive a great judgment from God, who is the great Judge and Revenger in all matters.
This art shall be revealed more fully to those whom God, by his singular and special grace, has given abstinence from all vices, than to any others. More
wisdom is to be found with one such man than among a thousand sons of the world. By them this art shall never be found out.
Whoever shall find out this secret, and attain to this gift of God, let him praise the most high God, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Let him pray for the
Grace of God, so that he may use this secret to His glory, and for the profit of his neighbor. May the merciful God grant this to be done, through Jesus
Christ his only Son our Lord, Amen.
