A Corollary

Well-meaning Reader,

In this small Treatise I have in few words revealed great Secrets, such as were known to no Man before me, except Paracelsus, who very briefly speaks of the chief of them. And Helmont, touching the great Virtues of that, hath writ many things. And since my Sal-Armoniack performs the same in all Operations, which Helmont ascribes to his Alcahest, I am able to ascribe somewhat more to my Sal-Armoniack, than he ascribed to his Alcahest, yea, many things, which may profitably be performed by the benefit thereof, among which the chief is this, viz. that by help of it all Metals and Minerals may be reduced to their first Matter, that is, into a Spiritual Mercury, which is the highest Magistery in Chymistry.

I, in this little Book, have onely prescribed a few ways of preparing Medicaments, and that in a Laconick-Style, became I writ these things in my Sick-bed. Indeed I could willingly and gladly forbear Writing, both now and heretofore; for by all that ever I writ, I never gained one half-peny. But Christian Charity inflamed me to consecrate this great Arcanum, and the fruitfull use thereof, (before I dye, knowing in the Grave nothing can be done) and to publish the same for the good of Mankind remaining in the Earth; being full of great Hope, there will not want some Religious Spagyrists conscious of Piety, that will prove themselves faithfull disposers of this bequeathed Gift, and heal the Diseases of the Poor gratis. But if the great troop of Malignant Spirits presume to abuse the Practicers of this most noble Art, they may find Nemesis ready swiftly to punish them.

Every one, as he pleaseth, may prepare most present Medicaments. For all Herbs, the way is almost one. Also in respect of Animals, Minerals, Metals and Stones, you will find but little difference. Every Man may himself more profoundly search into the Art. For my own part, I am at present so weak, as Strength faileth me to proceed farther in this discourse. Therefore, by every good Man, I shall be readily excused, because I have given sufficient occasion of searching into other high Secrets. If this my benevolent Communication suffice not any Man, he may himself search farther elsewhere. For it is easier to add to things already found out, than to become the first Authour of new Inventions.

I had purposed in this little Book to signifie the most fruitfull use of my Secret Alcalisate Spirit of Wine; which is so great a Secret, as no Man before me did ever discover to the World; but my Sickness hath prevented and hindred the doing of that. If God prolong my Life, that may be done in another small peculiar Book.

Truly, I highly prize my secret Sal-Armoniack, yet I more esteem the use of my Spirit of Wine Alkalizate; that being a Spirit of so great potency, as from all Minerals, Metals and Stones, it extracts a most pure Tincture, and by Alembeck brings the same over the Helm with it self. What shall I say? Even fixed Gold it self cannot resist it, but suffers it self without a Corrosive (like sweet Water coloured yellow with Saffron) to be drawn upwards. In a word, this Alkalizate Spirit of Wine is an admirable Instrument for a Physician, of it to prepare efficacious (yea incomparable) Medicaments; and he may easily acquire abundance of it, and that for no more charges, than after the common manner any other common Spirit is prepared. He that seeks shall find. Wherefore rise from your soft Pillows, and with smutted Hands touch black Coals, and accurately give heed to the institutions of Art. For with Idleness, Eating, Drinking, and playing on Musick, you shall never approach to great Mysteries. I would have you always think of this that is now once spoken. It is indeed impossible for a most unskilfull Man to believe or comprehend, how great things may be prepared by help of this burning Spirit.

About the end of the Preface of this Treatise, I mentioned some few things touching the same; viz. that of good burning Spirit, with little labour and no great cost, in a very easie way a true universal Medicine for humane and metallick Bodies might be made. This I would have no Man to doubt of, but to account of as most true. For I now ready to be laid in my Grave, have great need to be very carefull how I divulge any thing, unless such pure verity as experience hath taught me. If the most wise God will prolong my Life untill the next Summer, and enable me to write out of Bed, my purpose is to publish some other new wonderfull Works; but if in the mean while I be taken away from the number of the living, then (candid Reader) kindly accept of these few things here written.

This being thus imparted to all diligent Chymical Operators (whom I here salute and bid farewell) I wish a Divine Benediction in this Life, and Eternal Glorification hereafter. Amen.

Glory to GOD onely.

The End of the Seventh Part.