Chap. V

Quæry, Whether or no these most subtil Atoms of Gold are capable of performing any thing in Medicine, and of displaying their hidden Vertues like Vegetables, without any other unlocking of them.

For answer, I say no. For the Stomach is too weak to dissolve and get thence that efficacy as it doth from Vegetables, though it be thus reduced in a most tender and subtile substance. In vain therefore is it administred to the sick, because it passeth out again with the Excrements so as ’twas taken in, and that without any remarkable efficacy.