I. Of the Preparation of Sal Mirabilis

This my Sal Mirabile is prepared and separated from all vulgar Salts, by the help of Art, nevertheless more easily from one than from another: For it may be elicited not only from the Salt of the Kitchin, but also from other salts, as Salt-petre, Vitriol, and Alum: Alum and Vitriol abound with many sulphureous and mineral qualities, and therefore occasion much difficulty and labour in their separation; and Salt-petre possesseth a fugacious and burning nature. Therefore setting those Salts aside, we prepare our Sal Mirabile of that common salt which is used in Kitchins, separating from it, by the help of fire and Water, whatsoever is earthy and terrene; and the same being prepared, as much as in us lies, we use it to the Honour of God, and the profit of our Neighbor.

Of the external Figure, Colour, Taste, and Smell of Sal Mirabilis.

This Sal Mirabilis being rightly prepared, looketh like Water congealed or frozen into Ice; it appeareth like the Crystals of Salt-petre, which shoot into a long Figure; also it is clear and transparent, and being put to the Tongue, melts like Ice. It tasteth neither sharp, nor very salt, but leaveth a little astringency upon the Tongue. Being put upon burning Coals, it doth not leap and crackle after the manner of common salt, neither conceiveth flame like Salt-petre, nor being red hot, sends forth any smell; which gifts or endowments no other salt possesseth.