Of the Species of Vitriol

There are many Species of Vitriol, for they vary according to the Pits out of which they are taken. The common Probation of this is, as Coperas is proved upon Iron, but this is not true. The Genuine Probation is, that it be used crude against the Worms, in that manner as we will now explain; and accordingly as it expels Worms, so is it more or less excellent in Medicine. In Alchymy, another Probation by Cuprosity is more available; yet it may also be thus proved. If Vitriol change Iron into Copper, and that speedily, and the same be perfectly well gradated and soft under the Hammer, then is that Vitriol best in Medicine and Alchymy? For there is a Conjunction of Iron and Vitriol, where of Iron it makes Copper good and excellent. Of the best Vitriol the best Copper is made. Let no man wonder, that Copper can be made of Iron by Vitriol; for there is also this virtue in Nature, viz. that the Water of Borax makes Quick-silver of Lead. Also experience teacheth, that Cachymia’s transmute all Metals into other, no otherwise than as Vitriol changeth Iron into Copper. Nor is Vitriol, only the transmuter of one Metal into another, but there are also other things, which have like effect upon all Metals. The reason why we know not them all, is, because Sophisters pervert Arts for their private benefit, using them only to supply their Purse and Kitchin.

In Hungary is a River proceeding from Vitriol, or per se consisting of Vitriol, not coagulated into Crystals. If Iron be put therein, and left for its due time, it turns to a Rubigo, or Rust. If that Rust be melted by a Wind-Furnace, it is presently made pure and constant Copper, not convertible into its own Nature of Iron. There are infinite Mines of Vitriol found throughout Germany, all which cannot be described apart. Yet the aforesaid Probations are to be used both in Medicine and Alchymy. There is besides these another Probation (not profitable in Medicine, but in Alchymy only) and that is: If the Colcothar of Vitriol do from it self by Fire, give or yield Copper. If it give Copper, then in Medicine it is weak, but in Alchymy strong Vitriol. Likewise the Colours of Vitriol are to be observed: That which is all over blue, mixed with no other Colour, is not so good in Medicine, as that Vitriol, which is (as it were) parted, and all over filled with red and yellow Lines and Veins. What in the Air inclines to whiteness, is efficacious, and fit for the green and white Oyl of Vitriol: what turns to a redness and yellowness is more excellent for the red Oyl. There needs no more to be said touching the Species of Vitriol, than what is suggested by Probation; which every Physician and Alchymist should make, according to the use he intends it for. Lastly, this Probation is never fallacious. If mixed with Galls, or Oak-Apples, it makes good Ink, then it may be used in all Cases: But if it maketh an aqueous, or waterish Ink, that needeth many additions, it is not so good.