"John Baptist Porta - "Natural Magick"

Now I am come to the arts, and I shall begin from Distillation, an invention of later times, a wonderful thing, to be praised beyond the power of man, not that which the vulgar and unskillful man may use. For they do but corrupt and destroy what is good. But that which is done by skillful artists. This admirable art, teaches how to make spirits, and sublime gross bodies, and how to condense, and make spirits become gross bodies. And to draw forth of plants, minerals, stones and jewels, the strength of them, that are involved and overwhelmed with great bulk, lying hid, as it were, in their chests. Ant to make them more pure, and thin, and more noble, as not being content with their common condition, and so lift them up as high as heaven. We can by chemical instruments, search out the virtues of plants, and better then the ancients could do by tasting them. What therefore could be thought on that is greater? It is Nature's part to produce things, and give them faculties, but art may ennoble them when they are produced, and give them many several qualities. Let one that loves learning, and to search out Nature's secrets, enter upon this. For a dull fellow will never attain to this art of Distilling. First we will Extract waters and oils. Then, the essences of Tinctures, Elixirs, Salts, and such-like. Then we shall show how to resolve mixed bodies into the elements, and make them all more pure, to separate their diverse and contrary qualities, and draw them forth, that we may use them at pleasure. And other things, that will never repent us to know and do.

Chapter I

"What Distillation is, and of how many sorts."

Hether the art of Distillation were known to the learned Ancients, or no, I will not undertake to dispute, yet there is another kind of art to be read in Dioscorides, then what we use. He says thus, There is an Oil extracted out of Pitch, by separating the watery part, which swims on the top, like Whey in Milk. And hanging clean flocks of Wool, in the vapor arising from it while the Pitch boils, and when they are moist, squeezing them in some vessel. This must be done as long as it boils. Geber defines it thus, Distillation is the elevation of moist vapors in a proper vessel. But we will declare the true definition of it elsewhere. He makes three sorts of it, by Ascent, by Descent, and by Filtration. But I say, by Ascent, by Descent, and by Inclination, which is a middle between the both, and is very necessary. For when a thing is unwilling to ascend, we teach it by this to rise by degrees, by inclining the vessel, and raise it by little and little, until it becomes thinner, and knows how to ascend. The instructions for Distillation shall be these,

"Instructions for Distillation."

First, provide a glass or brazen vessel, with a belly swelling out like a cupping glass, and sharpened upward like a top or a Pear. Fit it to the under-vessel like a cap, so that the neck of that lower vessel may com into the belly of the upper. A pipe must run about the bottom of the cap, which must send forth a beak, under which, there must stand another vessel, called the Receiver, from receiving the Distilling water. Stop all the vents close with Straw Mortar, or rags of Linen, that the spirituous airy matter may not leak out. The fire being put under this Stillatory, the enclosed matter will be dissolved by the heat of the fire into a dewey vapor, and ascend to the top. Where, meeting with the cold sides of the head, it sticks there, being condensed by the cold, swelling into little bubbles, dewing the roof and sides. Then, gathered into moist pearls, runs down in drops, turning into liquid, and by the pipe and nose is conveyed into the Receiver. But both the vessels and the Receiver must be considered, according to the Nature of the things to be Distilled. For if they be of a flatulent vaporous nature, they will require large and low vessels, and a more capacious Receiver. For when the heat shall have raised up the flatulent matter, and that finds itself strained in the narrow cavities, it will seek some other vent, and so tear the vessels in pieces, (which will fly about with a great bounce and crack, not without injuring the bystanders) and being at liberty, will save itself from further harm. But if the things be hot and thin, you must have vessels with a long and small neck. Things of middle temper, require vessels of a middle size. All which the industrious artificer may easily learn by the imitation of Nature, who has given angry and furious creatures, as the Lion and Bear, thick bodies, but short necks. To show, that flatulent Humors would pass out of vessels of a larger bulk, and the thicker part settle to the bottom. But then, the Stag, the Ostrich, the Camel Panther, gentle creatures, and of thin spirits, have slender bodies and long necks, to show that thin, subtle spirits, have slender bodies and long narrower passage, and be elevated higher to purify them. There is one thing which I must especially inform you of, which is, that there may be a threefold moisture extracted out of plants. The nutritive, whereby they live, and all dried herbs want. It differs little from fountain or ditch water. The substantial, whereby the parts are joined together, and this is of a more solid nature. And the third is the radical Humor, fat and oily, wherein the strength and virtue lies. There is another thing, which I cannot pass over in silence, it being one of the principles of the art, which I have observed in diverse experiments, which is, that some mixed together bodies, do exhale thin and hot vapors first, and afterwards moist and thick. On the contrary, others exhale earthly and Phlegmatick parts first, and then the hot and fiery, which being fixed in the inmost parts, are expelled at last by the force of the fire. But because there can be no constant and certain rule given for them, some I will mark unto you, others, your own more quick ingenuity must take the pains to observe.

Chapter II

"Of the Extraction of Waters."

The extraction of waters, because it is common, I will dispatch in a few words. If you would Extract sweet waters out of hot plants, and such as are earthy, and retain a sweet favor in their very substance, these being cast into a Stillatory, without any art, and a fire made under them, yield their odors. As you may draw sweet waters out of,

"Roses, Orange flowers, Myrtle and Lavender, and such like,"

Either with Cinders, or in Balneo Mariae, but only, observe to kindle the fire by degrees, lest they burn. There are also in some plants, sweet leaves, as in Myrtle, Lavender, Citron, and such like, which if you mix with the flowers, will no way hinder the favor of them, but add a pleasantness to the waters. And in places where flowers cannot be gotten, I have seen very sweet waters extracted out of the tendrils of them. Especially, when they have been set abroad a sunning in a vessel for some days before. There is a water, of no contemptible scent, drawn out of the leaves of Basil Gentle, (especially being aromatized with Citron or Cloves) by the heat of a gentle bath, heightened by degrees, and then exposing it to the Sun for some time. There is an odoriferous water extracted out of the flowers of Azadaret, or Bastard Sycamore, very thin and full of favor. The way to find out whether the odor be settled in the substance of the plant, or else in the surfaces or outward parts is this, rub the leaves of flowers with your fingers, if they retain the same scent, or cast a more fragrant breath, then the odor lies in the whole substance. But on the contrary, if after your rubbing, they do not only lose their natural scent, but begin to stink, it shows that their odor resides only in their surfaces, which being mixed with other ill favored parts, are not only abated, but become imperceptible. In Distilling of these, we must use another art. As for example,

"To Extract Sweet Water out of Gilliflowers, Musk, Roses, Violets, and Jasmine, and Lilies."

First draw the juice out of some wild Musk Roses, with a gentle heat in Balneo Mariae, then remove them, and add others. For if you let them stand too long, the scent which resides in the surfaces is not only consumed, but the dull stinking vapor which lies in the inward parts is drawn forth. In this water, let other Roses be infused for some hours, and then taken out and fresh put in, which the oftener you do, the sweeter it will smell. But stop the vessel close, lest the thin scent fly out and be dispersed in the air. And so you will have a most odoriferous water of Musk Roses. The same I advise to be done with Jasmine, Gilliflowers, Lilies, and Violets, and Crows-toes, and the like. But if you are not willing to Macerate them in their own waters, the same may be done in Rosewater. By this art, I have made waters out of flowers of a most fragrant smell, to the admiration of artists of no small account. But because it happens sometimes by the negligence of the operator, that it is infected with a stink of burning, I will teach you,

"How to correct the stink of burning."

Because that part which lies at the bottom feels more heat then the top, when it comes to pass, that before the one be warm, the other is burnt, and often stinks of the fire, and offends the nose. Therefore Distil your waters in Balneo Mariae with a gentle fire, that the pure clear water may ascend, and the dregs settle in the bottom with the Oil, a great cause of the ill favor.

"How to draw a great quantity of water by Distillation."

Fasten some plates of Iron or Tin round the top of the Stillatory. Set them upright, and let them be of the same height with it, and in the bottom fasten a spigot. When the Stillatory becomes hot, and the elevated vapors are gathered into the cap, if that be hot, they fall down again into the bottom, and are hardly condensed into drops. But if it be cold, it presently turns into water. Therefore pour cold water between those places, which by condensing the vapors, may drive down larger currents into the Receiver. When the cap, and the water upon it begin to be hot, pull out the spigot, that the hot water may run out, and fresh cold water be put in. Thus the water being often changed, that it may always be cold, and the warm drawn out by the spigot, you will much augment the quantity of your water.

Chapter III

"Of Extracting Aqua Vitae."

It is thus done. Take strong rich Wine growing in dry places, as on Vesuvius, commonly called Greek Wine, or the tears or first running of the Grape. Distil this in a glass Retort with Cinders, or in Balneo Mariae, or else in a long necked Still. Draw out the third part of it, and reserve the rest, for it is turned into a perfect sharp Vinegar, there remaining only the carcass of the Wine. For the life and tenuous part is taken out. Then Distil the same again, and the third time, always drawing off a third part. Then prepare a vessel with a longer and straighter neck, of three cubits, and Distil it again in this. At last, put it into the mouth of the fire. The thin spirits of the Wine, will pass through all, and fall down into the Receiver, and the Phlegm, which cannot get passage, will settle to the bottom. The note of perfect depuration from Phlegm, will be, if a rag being dipped in it, and set on fire, does burn quite away. Or, if some of it, being dropped on a plain board, be kindled into flame, leaves no moisture or mark of it. But all the work depends on this, that the mouth of the vessel be exactly stopped and closed. So the least spirit may not find vent and fly into the air. The fittest thing to stop them with, is an Ox's bladder, or some other beast, for being cut into broad fillets, and while they are wet, rolled and tied about where the mouths of the vessels meet, it will alone keep in the he expiring vapors. You may observe this in the Distillation of it. The coals being hot, the vessel boils, and a most burning spirit of the Wine, ascends through the neck of the vessel. It is hot below, and cold on the top, till it gets into the cap, then, encountering cold, it turns into water, and runs down by the nose into the Receiver . And what was a long time ascending, then, in a small interval of time, flows down again to the under placed glass. Then, the cap, being cold, sends down that quality through the neck into the very belly of the Stillatory, until the spirit, being separated from the Phlegm, works the same effect again. I used to suffer the Wine to ascend, so long as the spirit runs invisible into the Receiver . For when the Phlegm ascends, there will appear bubbles into the cap, and streams, which will run into the water through the nose. Then I take away that dead carcass of Wine, and pour in fresh Wine, and extract the spirit out of that the same way.

"To do the same a more compendious way."

Those who desire to do this in a shorter time, must make a Brass vessel, of the bigness of an ordinary barrel, in the form of a Gourd, but the nose of the cap must be made of Glass, or Brass of fifteen or twenty foot, winding about with circling revolutions, or mutual crossings, or as it were with the circling of Snakes, which they must set in wooden vessels, full of cold water, that passing through, it may be received into the Receiver. For when it has Distilled the third part of the Wine in three hours, thy must cast out the residue, and put that which is Distilled into the Stillatory again. And the second time Distil out a third part. So also a third time in the same day. At length, they put it into a Stillatory with a longer neck and separate the Phlegm from it. Some make the cap with three or four heads, setting one upon another, all being previous but the uppermost. And every one having his nose, and particular Receiver. They fit them to the vessel with a long neck set them on, bind them and Lute them, that they have no vent. The water which Distilled out of the uppermost head, is clearest and most perfect. That out of the lowest, more imperfect, and must be reserved asunder, for they will be of different estimation. The highest will be clear from all Phlegm, the lower full of it, the middle in a mean between them both.

"How to make Aqua Vitae of new Wine ."

It may be done without the charge of charge of coals and wood, neither does it require the attendance of a learned artist, but of an ignorant clown, or a woman. For this spirit is drawn out merely by the vehement working of Nature, to free herself without any other help whatever. When the Wine is run out of the press into the Hogshead, and other vessels, and begins to purge, place an earthen neck, or one of wood, being two cubits in length, upon the Bung hole of the vessel. Set the cap upon the neck, and Lute the joints very close, that there be no vent. Set the Receiver under the nose to take the water which flows down. Thus thine exaltations being elevated by the working spirits of the Wine, are converted into water, merely for the work of Nature, without the help of fire, which therefore has his particular virtues, which we will pass over now, and mention them in another place.

Chapter IV

"How to Distil with the heat of the Sun."

We may Distil not only with fire, but with the Sun and Dung. But the last taints the Distilled waters with a scurvy scent. The Sun extracts the best water, and is very useful for many medicines. The heat of the fire changes the nature of things, and causes hot and fiery qualities in them. Wherefore in all medicines for the eyes, we must use waters extracted from the Sun. For others do fret and corrode the eye, these are more gentle and soft. The Sun extracts more water then the fire, because the vapors do presently condense and drop down, which they do not over the fore, because they are driven up with a force, and stick to the sides of the Stillatory, and fall down again into the bottom. There are other advantages which shall be explicated in their proper places. Besides, it is good husbandry. For the work is done without wood, coals, or labor. It is but filling the vessels with the ingredients, and setting them in the Sun, and all the pains is past. Therefore to explain the manner in a few words. Prepare a form of three foot in height, two in breadth, and of a length proportional to the number of vessels you intend to set to work. If many, make it longer, if a few, let it be shorter. Board up that side next to the Sun, lest the heat does warm the Receivers, and make the water ascend again. In the middle of the upper plank of the form, make several holes for the necks of the glasses to pass down through. When the Sun has passed Gemini, (for this must be performed in the heat of summer only) set your form abroad in the Sun. Gather your herbs before the sunrise, pick them and cleanse them from dust and dirt of men's feet, from the urine and ordure of worms and other creatures, and such kind of filth and pollutions. Then, lest they should and soil the water, shake them, and wipe them with cloths, and lastly, wash your hands, and then dry them in the shade. When they are dried, put them into the glasses, take some wire Cithern strings, and wind them into round clues, so that being let go, they may untwine themselves again. Put one of these into the mouth of each glass, to hinder the herbs from falling out, when the glasses are turned downwards. Then thrust the necks through the holes of the form into the Receivers, which are placed underneath, and admit them into their bellies. Fasten them together with linen bands, that there may be no vent. And place the Receivers in dishes of water, that the vapor may the sooner be condensed. All things being thus provided, expose them to most violent heat of sunbeams. They will presently dissolve them into vapors, and slide down into the Receivers. In the evening, after sunset, remove them, and fill them with fresh herbs. The herb Polygonum, or Sparrows-tongue, bruised, and thus Distilled, is excellent for the inflammation of the eyes and other diseases. Out of St. Johnswort, is drawn a water good against cramps, if you wash the part affected with it. And others also there are, too long to rehearse. The manner of Distilling, this figure expresses.

Chapter V

"How to draw Oil by Expression."

We have treated of waters, now we will speak of Oils, and next of essences. These require the industry of a most ingenious artificer. For many the most excellent essences of things, do remain in the Oil, as in the radical moisture, so close, that without the greatest art, wit, cunning, and pains, they cannot be brought to light. So that the whole art of Distillation depends on this. The chiefest means is by Expression, which, though it be different from the art of Distillation, yet because it is necessary to do it., it will not be unnecessary to mention here. The general way of it, is this. Take the seeds out of which you would draw Oil, blanch them, and strip them of their upper coats, either by rubbing them with your hands, or picking them off with your nails. When they are cleansed, cast them into a Marble Mortar, and beat them with a wooden Pestle. Then sprinkle them with Wine, and change them into a leaden Mortar. Set them on the fire, and stir them with a wooden spoon. When they begin to yield forth a little oiliness, take them from the fire, and prepare in readiness two plates of iron of a fingers thickness and a foot square. Let them be smooth and plain on one side, and heated so that you can scarce lay your finger on them, or, if you had rather, that they may hiss a little when water is cast upon them. Wrap the almonds in a Linen cloth being wetted, squeeze them between these plates in a press. Save the Expression, and then sprinkle more Wine on the pressed Almonds or seeds. Allow them some time to imbibe it. Then set them on the fire, stir them, and squeeze them again, as before, until all the Oil is squeezed out. Others put the seeds when they are bruised and warmed, into a bag that will not let the Oil strain through, and by twining two sticks about, press them very hard and close. Then they draw the Oil out of them, when they are a little settled.

"To draw oil out of Nutmegs."

Beat the Nutmegs very carefully in a mortar, put them into a skillet, and warm them, and then press out the Oil which will presently congeal. Wherefore, to make it fluid and more likely to penetrate, Distil it five or six times in a Retort, and it will be as you desire. Or else, cast some burning sand into it, and mix it, and make it into rolls, which being put into the neck of a Retort, and a fire kindled, will the first time remain liquid.

"To Extract Oil out of Citron seed."

We must use the same means. Blanch and cleanse them. An Oil of gold color will flow out. They yield a fourth part, and it is a powerful Antidote against Poison and Witchcraft, and it is the best Menstruum to extract the scent out of Musk, Civet and Amber, and to make sweet ointments of, because it does not quickly grow rank.

"Oil of Poppy seed."

Is extracted the same way, and yields a third part of a golden color, and useful in dormitive medicines. Also, this is made,

"Oil of Coloquintida seeds."

The fairest yield a sixth part of a golden color. It kills worms, and expels them from the children, being rubbed on the mouth of their stomach. Also,

"Oil of Nettle Seed."

An ounce and a half may be extracted out of a pound and a half of seeds, being picked and blanched. It is very good to dye women's hair of a gold color.

"Oil of Eggs."

Is made by another art. Take fifty or sixty Eggs, boil them till they are hard. Then peal them, and take out the yolk. Set them over warm coals in a tinned Posnet, till all their moisture be consumed, still stirring them with a wooden Spattle. Then increase the fire, but stir them continually lest they burn. You will see Oil sweat out. When it is all come out, take away the fire, and skim off the Oil. Or, when the Oil begins to sweat out, as I said, put the Eggs into a press, and squeeze them very hard. They will yield more Oil, but not so good.

Chapter VI

"How to Extract Oil with water."

Now I will declare how to Extract Oil without Expression. And first, out of spices, seeds, leaves, sticks, or anything else. Oil being to be drawn out only by the violence of fire, and very unapt to ascend, because it is dense. Considering also, that aromatic seeds are very subtle and delicate. So that if they be used too roughly in the fire, they will stink of smoke and burning. Therefore, that they may endure a stronger fire, and be secure from burning, we must make the assistance of water. Those kinds of seeds, as I said, are endued with an airy, thin, volatile essence. And by the propriety of their nature, elevated on high, so, that in Distillation, they are easily carried upward, accompanied with water, and being condensed in the cap of the Stillatory, the oily and watery vapors, run down together into the Receiver. Choose your seeds of a full ripeness, neither too new, nor too old, but of a mature age. Beat them and Macerate them in four times their weight of water, or so, that the water may arise the breadth of four fingers above them. Then put them into a Brass pot, that they may endure the greater fire. And kindle your coals into a vehement heat, that the water and Oil may ascend and slow down. Separate the Oil from the water, as you may easily do. As for example,

"How to draw Oil out of Cinnamon."

If you first Distil Fountain water twice or thrice, you may extract a greater quantity of Oil with it. For being made more subtle, and apt to penetrate, it pierces the Cinnamon, and draws the Oil more forcibly out of its retirements. Therefore, take CXXXV pounds of Fountain water, Distil it in a glass Alembick. When forty pounds are drawn, Distil that until fifteen flow out. Then cast away the rest, and draw five out of those fifteen. This being done, Macerate one pound of Cinnamon in five of water, and Distil them in a Retort or Alembick. First, a milky water will flow out with the Oil, next clear water. Cast the water in over the Oil, and separate them as we shall teach you. Of a pound of Cinnamon, you will scarce receive a Drachm of Oil.

"How to draw a greater quantity of Oil out of Cinnamon."

I used to do it in this manner, to the wonder of the best and subtlest artists. Provide a Descendatory out of the bath, (the making of which, I will show hereafter) and put your Cinnamon, being grossly beaten into a glass Retort. Set it in its proper place, and put water into the bath; the heat of the fire by degrees, will draw a little water in many days. Receive it carefully, and pour it again into the Cinnamon that it may reimbibe its own water, so let it remain a while. Afterwards, kindle the fire, and you shall receive a little water and Oil. Do this a third and fourth time, and you will gain an incredible quantity. You may try the same in other things.

"Oil of Cloves."

May be extracted in the same manner. To every pound of Cloves, you must add ten of water, Distil them as before. So shall you have both water and Oil. It will yield a twelfth part. The Oil is good for medicines, and the water for sauces. So also is made,

"Liquid oil of Nutmegs."

If you bruise them, and put them with the water into a vessel, and Distil them as before, they will yield a sixth part.

"Oil of Mace and Pepper."

Is drawn in the manner, much stronger, but in less quantity.

"Oil of Anis Seed."

May be thus extracted, an ounce out of a pound. It congeals in winter like Camphire or snow. In the summer it dissolves. Let the seeds be Macerated in water for ten days at least. For the longer they lie there, the more Oil they will yield.

"Oil of Fennel."

Is extracted in the same quantity. When the seeds are ripe and fresh, they have most Oil, for they yield as much more.

"Oil of Coriander."

This yields but a small quantity, and is of very hard extraction. There is scarce one Drachm drawn out of a pound. New seeds yield most. And to be short, in the same manner are extracted the Oils out of the seeds of Carrot, Angelica, Marjoram, Rue, Rosemary, Parsley, Smallage and Dill, and suchlike.

"Oil of Rosemary and Lavender flowers,"

And such others, which being dried, afford no Oil, may be thus extracted. Put the flowers into a Receiver, and set it close stopped in the hot Sun for a month. There will they dissolve into liquor, and fly up to the sides of the glass. Then being condensed again, fall down and Macerate in themselves. At a fit time, add water to them and Distil them, as the former. So shall you draw forth with the water a most excellent sweet Oil.

"Oil of Juniper and Cypress wood."

May be drawn out by the same art, if you Macerate the dust of them in their own or in Fountain water for a month, and Distil them in the same manner. The Oil will come out by drops with the water, of a strong scent, and excellent virtue. These I have tried, the rest I leave to you.

Chapter VII

"How to Separate Oil from Water."

When we Extract Oils, they run down into the Receiver together with the water. They must then be separated, lest the Phlegm, being mixed with the Oil does weaken the virtue of it. That it may obtain its full vigor, it must be purified by Distillation and separation. For being put into a Retort or broad Stillatory, over a gentle fire, the water will run out, and the remaining liquor will be clear Oil. This work of separation is very laborious. Yet there are very artificial vessels invented, by the help of which, all the water may be drawn off, and the Phlegm, only pure Oil will remain. Prepare a glass vessel. Let it be broad and grow narrower by degrees downwards, until it comes to a point, like unto a tunnel. Put the Distilled water, which contains of the phlegmatic water and Oil into this vessel, let it stand a while. But stop the mouth of it with your finger, so that removing it away, the water may first run out, and the Oil sink down by degrees. When it is descended into the narrow part, so that the Oil becomes next to your finger, stop the hole, and let the orifice be but half open for the water to pass out. When it has all run out, empty the Oil into another vessel. There is another very ingenious instrument found our for to separate Oil, with a great belly and a narrow neck, which a little nose in the middle. Pour the Oil mixed with water into the vessel, the water will possess the bottom, the Oil the neck. Drop water gently into it, until the Oil ascends up to the nose. Then incline the vessel downward, and the Oil will run out clear and unmixed. When you have emptied out some, drop in more water, until the Oil be raised again up in the nose. Then stop it down, and pour out the rest of the Oil. But if the Oil settles to the bottom, and the water swims on the top, as very often happens, filtrate it into a broad dish, or any other vessel with a cotton cloth. The water will run out, and the Oil will remain in the bottom very pure.

Chapter VIII

"How to make an instrument to Extract Oil in a greater quantity and without danger of burning."

We may with several sorts of instruments, use several kinds of extractions. Among the rest, I found out one, whereby you may draw Oil with any the most vehement fire without danger of burning, and a greater quantity, then by any other. And it is fit for many other uses also. Prepare a vessel in the form of an Egg, of the capacity of half an ordinary barrel. Let the mouth of it, be of a convenient bigness to receive in your arm, when there shall be occasion to wash it, or to fill it with several sorts and degrees of things to be Distilled. Let it be tinned within, then set a Brass head on it of a foot high, with a hole in the bottom fit to receive the neck of the lower vessel, and stop the mouth of it exactly. Out of the top of the head, there must arise a pipe of Brass, fifteen or twenty foot long, bent into several angles that it may take up less room, and be more convenient to be carried. The other end of this pipe, must be fastened into the belly of another vessel, which must be of lesser capacity then the former, but of the same figure. Fix a head upon this also, with a pipe of the same length, and bent like the former, whose lower end shall be received into another straight pipe, which passing through the middle of a barrel, at last falls into the Receiver. The manner of using it is this; Put your leaves, stalks, or seeds, being beaten small, into the Brass pot, and pour as much Fountain water on as will cover them a handful or five large fingers over, then set on the head, and stop the joints very close. Put the other end of the pipe into the other pot, and joint them exactly. Then set on the other head, and fasten the lower end of its crooked pipe into that straight one, which passing through the barrel, runs into the Receiver. If the joints are anywhere faulty, stop them with flax, and paste them with wheat flour, and the white of an Egg, then roll them about and tie them close with fillets, cut out of a bladder. For when the vapors are forced by the heat of the fire, they are so attenuated, that they will break forth through the least rim or chink, in spite of all your endeavors. Fill the barrel with cold water, and when it begins to grow hot, draw it out through a cock at the bottom, and supply fresh water, that the pipe may always be kept cool. At length, make the pot boil, at first with a gentle fire, then increase them by degrees, until the vehemence of the heat, does make the vapors hiss as it were ready to break the pipes, as they run through them, so they will be elevated through the retorted pipes, and leave the Phlegmatick water in the lower vessel, till passing through the cold pipe. They will be condensed into liquor, and all down into the Receiver. If the water does consumes away in the boiling, pour in more being first warmed, through a little pipe which the pot must have on one side with a spigot to it for this purpose. But be sure to stop the spigot very close, that there may be no vent. Afterwards, separate the Oil from the water, Sublime and purify it in another vessel. Of all the instruments that I ever saw, not any one of them extracted a greater quantity of Oil, and with less labor and industry then this. Thus you may without any fear of burning, draw Oil out of flowers, leaves, spices, Gums, and wood with the most vehement fires, as also out of Juniper and Laurel berries.

Chapter IX

"The description of a Descendatory, whereby Oil is extracted by descent."

I cannot refrain from describing here an instrument found out by my own private experience, which I hope will be of no small profit to the ingenious. By which they may draw Oil out of any the least of things without any fear of burning. For there are many tenuous, oily flowers, as of Rosemary and Juniper, and other things, as Musk, Amber, Civet, Gum and suchlike out of which may be drawn oils very sweet and medicinable. But they are of so thin a substance, that there is a very great hazard of burning them, when they are forced by the heat of the fire without which, neither fat things will be elevated, nor extracted. Therefore to remedy these inconveniences, I have invented an instrument, by which oil shall descend without any labor or danger of burning. Let a vessel be made of Brass, in the form of an Egg, two foot high, and of the same breadth. Let it be divided towards the top, of which the upper part most serve for a cover, and be so fitted to be received into the lower part, that the joints may closely fall in one another, and be exactly stopped. In the lower part, towards the middle, about half a foot from the mouth, let there be a Copper plate fitted, as it were the midriff, so that it may easily be put and taken out. In which there must be made three hollow places to receive the bottom of three retorted vessels, the rest of the plate must be previous, that the boiling water and hot spirits may have passage to rise upwards. Out of the sides of the vessel there must be three holes, through the which the necks of the Retorts may pass, being glued and fastened to their pipes and Flax, and tied with fillets of bladders. So that not the least air, much less any water may leak out. When you prepare to work, fill the glass Retorts with the things you intend to still, thrust the necks through the holes outward, and lay their bodies in the prepared hollowness of the cross plate, somewhat elevated. If there remain any void space between the necks, and the sides of the holes they pass through, stop it with flax, and tie it about with fillets of bladder, and fill the vessel with water, within three fingers up to the cross plate. The vessel, being covered, and the joints well stopped and glued, and bound about, so that the force of the vapors arising, may not burst it open, and scald the faces of the bystanders, kindle the fire by degrees, until it becomes very vehement. Then will the vapors make a great noise, almost sufficient to terrify one. First water, then water and Oil will Distil out. I cannot contain myself from relating also another instrument invented for the same purpose. Make an oval Brass vessel, as I advised before, with a hole bored through the bottom. To which fasten a pipe that may arise up to the mouth of the vessel under, may by degrees receive the swelling parts of the neck. Adapt a cover to this vessel that it may be close stopped and Luted as we said before. You must make a furnace on purpose for this use. For the fire must not be made in the bottom, but about the vessel. The use is this; fill the glass with flowers or other things, put in some wire Lute-strings after them, that they may not fall out again when the glass is inverted. Thrust the neck through the Brass pipe. Put on the cover, and plaster it about. Set the Receiver under the furnace that it may catch the falling water and Oil. Then kindle the fire about the sides of the pot, the violence of which, will elevate vapors of burning water, which, beating against the concave part of the cover, will be reverberate upon the bottom of the gourd glass, whose fervent heat, will turn the water and Oil into vapor, and drive it down into the Receiver. I will set down some examples of those things which I made myself a trial of. As,

"How to Extract Oil out of Rosemary flowers."

Fill the Retorts with the leaves and flowers of Rosemary, and set them in the Brass furnace. The fire being kindled will force out first a water, and afterwards a yellow Oil, of a very strong and fervent odor, a few drops of which, I have made use of in great sicknesses, and driving away cruel pains. You may extract it easier, if you Macerate the flowers or leaves in their own, or Fountain water, for a week. In the same manner,

"Oil of Citron Pill,"

Is extracted when Citrons have come to perfect ripeness. Shave off the peal with a gross Steel file. Put the filings into a pot, and set them to Macerate ten days in Dung, being close stopped up. Then accommodate them to the furnace, and kindle fire. An Oil mixed with water Distils out with a most pleasant scent. The same may be done with Orange and Lemon peal. In places where flowers and fruits are not to be had, they cut off the tops of branches and tendrils, and slice them into four inch pieces, and so Distil them.

"Oil of Roses, and Citron flowers."

Is drawn after the same sort, a most excellent Oil, and of an admirable favor. But because the Oil is very hardly distinguished from the water, pour the water into a long glass with a narrow neck, and expose it to the Sun being close stopped. The Oil will by little and little, ascend to the top, which you must gather off with a Feather or pour out by inclining the glass.

"Sweet Oil of Benjamin."

Is to be made by putting Benjamin into a glass Retort, and fitting it to the furnace. Then increase the fire without any fear of combustion, and you will obtain a fragrant Oil, to be used in precious ointments. So Oil of Storax, Calamite, and Labdanum, and other Gums. So also,

"Oil of Musk, Amber, and Civit."

Cannot be Extracted more commodiously by any instrument, art or labor, then by the aforesaid, for they are of so thin a substance, that they can hardly endure any but the least heat, without contracting a scurvy base stink of burning. Yet by this artifice, it may be drawn out very safely. I see nothing to the contrary, but that we may Extract Oil out of spices also, very securely by the same artifice.

Chapter X

"How to Extract Oil out of Gums."

There is a peculiar extraction of Oil of gums, which, although they require the same means almost as the former, that is, the mixing them with waters, and macerating them for many days, then putting them in a Brass pot, and by a vehement fire, forcing out the Oil with the water. Yet it does come out but in a small quantity of an excellent odor, and free from the stink of the fire, as thus they deal with Opoponax, Galbanum, Storax and others. But they are distilled also another way, by ashes, which does require the diligent attendance of the workman, and a singular judgment and provident dexterity in him. For it is rather an ingenious then painful operation. I will set down an example,

"How to Extract Oil out of Benjamin."

Macerate the Benjamin in Rosewater, or omitting that, put it into a Retort. Set the Retort into a pot full of sand, so that it may fill up the space between the sides of the pot, and bottom of the Retort. Put the neck of it into a Receiver with a wide belly. Kindle the fire by little and little, and without any haste or violence of heat, let the water Distil. By and by increase the fire that the Oil may flow out, yet not too intensely, for fear of burning, but moderately between both. The oily vapors will straight fill all the Receiver, then will they be condensed and turn into flakes like wool, and sticking to the sides and middle of the glass, present you with a pleasant spectacle. By and by they are turned into little bubbles, so into Oil , and fall down to the bottom. Keep the fire in temper, until all the feces are dried, then remove it, for fear of ustion.

"Oil of Storax,"

Is drawn in the same manner, but if the Storax be liquefied, it will run with a gentle fire. It is of a strong and quick odor. Calamites requires a more lively fire, such as was used in Benjamin, and a diligent attendance. For too much fire will cause adustion on it.

"Oil of Laudanum."

Beat the Laudanum, and Macerate it fifteen days in Aqua Vita,, or Greek wine, at least ten. For the longer it infuses, the sooner it will run into Oil. Draw it with a gentle fire, it will distill out by drops after the water.

"Oil of Turpentine."

Is extracted easily, for it flows with a gentle fire. But beware in the operation, that no smoke evaporates out of it, for it will presently take fire, and with a magnetic virtue attract the flame, and carry it into the Retort, where it will hardly be extinguished again. Which will happen in the extraction of,

"Oil of Olives, and Linseed Oil."

If you Distil common Oil, it will hardly run. Yet increasing the fire, it will come out in six hours. You must be very careful, that the ashes and pot do not wax too hot. For if the Oil with take fire, it will break the vessels, and fly up, that it can hardly be quenched, and reach the very ceiling, so that it is best to operate upon Oils in arched rooms. From hence artificers of fireworks, learned to put Oil in their compositions, because it quickly takes fire, and is hardly extinguished.

Chapter XI

"Several arts how to draw Oils out of other things."

The nature of things being diverse, does require divers ways of distilling Oil out of them. For some being urged by fire, are Sublimed, and will not dissolve into Liquor. Others cannot endure the fire, but are presently burned. From which variety of tempers, there must arise also a variety in the manner of Extraction. I will set down some examples of these, that ingenious artists may not despair to draw Oils out of anything whatever.

"Oil out of Honey"

Is hard enough to be Extracted. For it swells up with the least heat, and rises in bubbles. So that it will climb up through the neck of the Retort, though it be never so long, into the head, and fall into the Receiver before it can be dissolved into Liquor or Oil. There are diverse remedies found out to help this. Take a glass with a short wide neck, put your Honey into it, and stop it in with Flax quite overlaid two fingers thick. This will repress the Honey when it swells and froths, and make it sink down again. Clear water will drop out at first. But when it begins to be colored, take away the Receiver, and set another in the place, so to keep the waters severally. Or put Honey into any vessel, so that it may fill it up four large fingers above the bottom, and cover it close, as the manner is. Then dig a hole in the ground, and set the vessel in, as far as the Honey rises. Then Lute and plaster it about four fingers above the ground, and dry it well. Kindle your coal round about it. Then the Honey will grow hot, and by degrees stick to the pot. But because the heat is above it, it cannot swell up, but very easily distills water and Oil. First, yellow, next reddish, until the Honey is turned into a very coal. There is another way, which may be performed by any woman. Pour the Honey into a new Pipkin, and cover it. Dig a hole, and bury it abroad about a cubit under ground. There let it putrefy for ten days. Then take it up, and there will swim on the top of the Honey a crystal Liquor, which you must strain out, and stop the Pipkin again, and bury it as before. About a week after, view it again, and strain out the over-flowing water. So the third and fourth time, until all the Honey is converted into water, which you may see by uncovering the Pipkin. Distil the water according to art, and it will yield water and Oil easily enough.

"Oil of Camphire."

Beat Camphire very small, and put it into common Aqua Fortis, made of Saltpeter, and Coppress Distilled and clarified. Set the pot in a bath or stove for half a day, and you will see a clear bright Oil swim on the top of the water. Incline the pot gently, and pour it off, and clarify it in a Retort. so shall you have a beautiful, thin and sweet Oil.

"Oil of Paper and Rags."

Roll up your paper like a pyramid, as grocers do, when they lap up anything to lay by, or send abroad. Clip the edges even. And taking a hold of the top of it with a pair of Pincers. Set it on fire with a candle. And while it flames, hold it downward over a broad dish half a finger distant from the bottom, so that the smoke may hardly fly out. And still as the fire consumes the paper, let your hand sink, that may always keep the same distance from the dish. When it is quite burned, you will find a yellow Oil , stinking of burning, upon the bottom of the dish. Gather it up, and reserve it. It is excellent to drive away Freckles and Pimples in women's faces, being applied. Almost in the same manner,

"Oil of Wheat ."

Lay your Wheat plain upon a Marble Mortar, being turned with the bottom upwards, and cover it with a plate of Iron, almost red hot, and press it hard. Out of the sides there will be expressed an Oil of a yellow color, and stinking of burning, which is good for the same purposes. That which is good to refresh decayed Spirits, is prepared another way.

Chapter XII

"How to Extract Oil by Descent."

The way is common and vulgar to all. For it is done by Ustulation. But the Oils are of a most offensive favor, and can be used only in outward medicines. For they are not to be taken inwardly. Prepare a Pipkin of tough Clay, and able to endure fire, well Vernished within, that there may be no suspicion of running out. Let the bottom be full of holes, set upon another earthen Pipkin whose mouth is large enough to receive the bottom of the upper Pipkin. Lute them close together. Fill the Pipkin with slices of your Wood. Cover it and Lute it. Then dig a hole, and set the Pipkins into it, and fling in the earth about it, and tread it down close and throw sand over it two inches thick. Make a gentle fire just over the Pipkin, which you must increase by degrees, until the Pipkins have stood there a whole day. After this, remove the fire. And when the heat is spent, dig up the Pipkins, and you will find the Oil strained down into the lower. Which you must Distil again in a Retort, to purify from filth. To add something to the former invention, I always do thus. I make a Trestle with legs of two foot in length. There must a hole be bored in the plank of it, to receive the neck of the Limbeck. Upon the Trestle fasten an Iron plate to keep the wood from burning. Underneath, about the middle of the feet, fasten a board, upon which the Receiver may stand, and meet with the neck of the inverted vessel. Which being filled with the materials to be stilled. Kindle a fire about it. Therefore you would extract,

"Oil out of Lingnum Guaiacum,"

Fill it with the dust of Lingnum Guaiacum, and Lute it close with Straw Mortar, twice or thrice double. When it is dried in the Sun, put into the neck, wire strings, and thrust it through the hose of the Trestle into the mouth of the Receiver, and Mortar them together. The kindle the fire on the plate about the body of the Limbeck, at some distance at first, and by degrees closer and hotter. But let it not be red hot, until you think it is all burned. Then remove from the fire, and let it rest a while, until it is cold, and you shall find in the lower vessel a black stinking burnt Oil. In this manner is Oil drawn out of Juniper, Cypress, and Lingnum Aloes. But in this last, you must use art and diligence, and a gentle fire, because it is mixed in Ointments.

Chapter XIII

"Of the Extraction of Essences."

We have delivered the several kinds of extractions of Oils, now we are come to Quintessence's, the extraction of which, we will here declare. The Paracelsians define a Quintessence to be the form, or spirit, or virtue, or life, separated from the gross and elementary impurities of the body. I call it the life, because it cannot be extracted out of the bones, flesh, marrow, blood, and other members. For wanting life, they want also the Quintessence. I say, separated from elementary impurities, because when the Quintessence is extracted, there remains only a mass of elements void of all power. For the power, virtue, and medicinable qualities, are not the elements, but in their Essences, which yet are elements, and contain the virtues of the elements in them, in the highest degree. For being separated from the grossness of their bodies, they become spiritual, and put forth their power more effectually and strongly when they are freed from them, then they could while they were clogged with the elements. They are small in bulk, but great in operation. The strength of Quintessence's, is not to be judged by the degrees of their qualities, but of their operation. For those which soonest and clearest root out a disease, are reckoned in the first degree. So the Essence of Juniper, is reckoned the first degree of operation, because it cures the Leprosy by purging the blood only. The Essence of Amber in the second, because it expels Poison, by purging the heart, lungs, and members. Antimony in the third, because (beside the former virtues) it also purges the body. But Gold of itself alone, has all those virtues, and renews the body. Wherefore the fourth degree and greatest power, is attributed to it. But how to extract these Essences is a very difficult work. For they may be either Oil, or Salt, or water, or of Extraction. Some, by Sublimation, others, by Calcination. Others, by Vinegar, Wine, corrosive waters, and such-like. So that several kinds of Menstruums are to be provided according to the Nature and temper of things. I will set down some things which are most agreeable to the things to be Extracted, and as simple as may but. For Essences ought not to be compounded, mixed, or polluted with anything, be pure, simple and immaculate. But if there is a necessity of adding something let them be separated after Extraction. If the Essence of any metal is to be Extracted by Corrosives, separate the Salt from the waters, after the work is done, and use those Salts only, which will easily be taken out again. Vitriol and Allom are very difficult to be separated, by reason of their earthy substance. Moreover, use not a watery Menstruum, for a watery Essence. Nor a oily Menstruum, for and oily Essence being of like natures, they are not easily separated. But watery Menstruums for oily Essences. And so on the contrary. I will set before you some examples in Herbs, fat of flesh, and other things by which you may learn of yourself how to perform it in the rest. There are an infinite number of Essences, and almost as many ways of Extraction. Of them, some I shall show unto you, whereof the first shall be,

"How to Extract the Essence out of Civet, Musk, Amber, and other spices."

Take Oil of Ben, or of Almonds, mix Musk, Amber, Cinnamon, and Zedoary, well beaten in it. Put it in a glass bottle, and set it in the Sun, or in Balneo, ten days. Then strain from it the Dregs, and the Essence will be imbibed into the Oil. From which you may separate it in this manner. Take Aqua Vita, and if it be an odoriferous body, Fountain water, three or four times Distilled. Mix with the aforesaid Oil, and stir it about, and so let it digest for six days. Then Distil it over Cinders. The hot water and the Essence will ascend, and the Oil remain in the bottom without any scent. Afterwards, Distil the Aqua Vita, and the Essence in Balneo, until the water be evaporated, and the Essence settles to the bottom in the form of Oil. If you will do it with Aqua Vita alone, slice the roots of Zedoary, and beat them and Infuse them in so much Aqua Vita as will cover them three fingers over in a glass bottle. Let them Ferment for ten days according to Art. Then Distil them over it. Take the Distilled Liquor, set it in Balneo. And with a gentle fire, let the Aqua Vita evaporate, and the Quintessence of Zedoary will settle in the bottom, in a liquid form. Next,

"To Extract Essence out of flesh."

Out of three Capons, I have often Extracted an Essence in a small quantity, but of great strength and nutriment, wherewith I have recovered the life and strength to sick persons, whose stomachs were quite decayed. And they almost were dead for want of nourishment, having not been able to eat any things in three days. Take Chickens, or Hens, or Capons. Pluck them, and draw their guts out. Beat them well, and let them boil a whole day in a glass vessel, close stopped over warm embers until the bones, and flesh, and all substance be dissolved into Liquor. then strain it into another vessel through a Linen cloth and fling away the Dregs. For the remaining bones are so bereft of flesh, scent, or any other quality, that a Dog will not so much as smell to them. Which is an assured argument that their goodness is boiled out. Pour the strained Liquor into a glass bottle, and dissolve it into a vapor in a gentle bath. The Essence will remain in the bottom, either hard, or soft, like an Ointment, as you please, of a most admirable virtue, and never sufficiently to be commended.

"To Extract Essences out of Salts."

Take Salt and Calcine it according to Art. If it is volatile, burn it, and grind it very small. Lay the powder upon a Marble in a moist cellar, and set a pan under it to receive it as it dissolves. Let it Ferment in that pan for a month. Then set it in Balneo, and with a gentle fire let it Distil. Cast away the sweet water, that comes from it, and set that which remains in the bottom, to Ferment another month, the Distil out the sweet water, as before. And do this, while any sweet water will run from it. Keep it over the fire until the moisture is all consumed. And then what remains settled in the bottom, is the Quintessence of Salt. Which will scarcely arise to two ounces out of a pound.

"To Extract Essences out of Herbs."

Beat the Herbs, and set them to Ferment in Dung for a month in a convenient glass bottle. Then distil them in Balneo. Again, set them in Dung for a week, and distil them in Balneo again. And thus macerate them so long as they will yield any Liquor. Then pour the Distilled water upon the herbs again, and Distil them in this Circulation for six days, which will make it of a more lively color. Draw of the water by Balneum, and the Essence must then be Expressed out in a press. Ferment it in Dung for five days, and it will yield you the scent, color and virtues of the Herbs in perfection. A way to extract,

"The Essence of Aqua Vita."

It is a thing bragged of by thousands, but not effected by any. I will not omit the description of it, which I have found out, together with a friend of mine very knowing in experiments, by the assistance of Lulius. Provide some rich, generous, old Wine. Bury it in Dung for two months in large bottles close stopped and Luted, that they may not have the least vent. The whole business depends on this. For if this is not carefully looked into, you will lose both your cost, and your labor. The month being past, Distil it in a an ordinary Stillatory. Reserve the Spirits by themselves. The Dregs and Faeces of the Wine must be buried again, and the Spirits be Distilled out as before, and reserved by themselves. Distil the Faeces until they settle like Honey or Pitch. Then pour on the Phlegm upon them. Wash them and lay them to dry. Then put them in a potter's, or glass maker's furnace, and with a vehement fire burn them into white ashes. Wet them with a little water, and set them in the mouth of the furnace, that they may be converted into Salt. There is not better mark to know the perfection of your work, then by casting some of it on a red hot plate of Iron. If it melt and evaporate it is well done. Otherwise, you must rectify it. Mix the Salt with water, and put it into a glass bottle with a long neck. Stop it with a Cork and parchment. Then set on the head and kindle the fire. The force of which will carry it up through all the stoppage into the head, and there it sticks to the sides like dirt. The water will remain quiet in the bottom, in which you must again mingle the Salt. And so by a continual circulation, draw it out of itself, until it is divested of all it grossness, and obtain a more thin and subtle Essence.

Chapter XIV

"What Magisteries are, and the Extraction of them."

I said, that Quintessence's do participate of the nature of mixed bodies. On the contrary, a Magistery takes the temper of the elements. So, that it neither extracts the Spirits nor the Tinctures, but a certain mean between both. A Magistery therefore, is what can be extracted out of things without separation of the elements. Essences do often keep the color of the bodies out of which they are extracted. Tinctures always do it, Magisteries never. the means of extracting Magisteries, are various, according to the diversity of natures in things. I will set down for an example and pattern.

"How to Extract a Magistery of Gems, Coral and Pearl."

Beat the gems, and set them in Igne revererationsis, until they be Calcined. Mix them with an equal quantity of Saltpeter, and dissolve them in Aqua Vita. Pour out that which is liquefied, and let the remainder of the powder be Calcined better. Then lay it in Aqua Vita again, and do this until all is dissolved. Set this water in a hot furnace, until the moisture is all evaporated. And what shall remain in the bottom, is the Magistery of gems. Pearls must be dissolved in Vinegar. And if possible, in juice of Lemons. You may augment the strength of the Vinegar by those things, which, as I showed you in Aqua Vita. Which does quicken the virtue of it, that is, its own Salt, being dissolved and Macerated in Balneo, or in Fimo, for a month. Then Distil the Menstruum, and in the bottom will remain the Magistery of Pearls.

"Of Charabes."

I will deliver to you the way that I use. For the Paracelsians do either conceal it, or not know it. Beat your Gum very small, and dissolve it in Aqua Vita. When it is liquefied, pour that out, and put in fresh. Let them Macerate for a month. And when all is dissolved, mix the waters all together, and let it evaporate over a fire. So in the bottom will remain the Magistery of Charabe. It will take away scars in the face and cure the Vertigo.

"The Magistery of Guaiacum."

Is a excellent remedy against the Pox, and is thus Extracted. Take the shavings of Lingnum Guaiacum, or the dust of it, which the Turners work off. For the file by continual friction, heats it, and exhausts the best Spirits. Lay it in clarified Aqua Vita a whole day. When the water has contracted a red color, which will be when it has sucked out the oiliness and substance of it, strain it out, and pour in fresh. Then stir it about, until the water becomes colored again. Strain that out also, and put in as much more, until the water do not alter its color any more. Then strain it in a press, and distil the juice through Linen cloth. And then boil it till the moisture is consumed. The Oil, or Gum, or Magistery will remain of a bright color, and most sweet scent, which you would think impossible to reside in such wood. You may Extract the same in a shorter time, but it will not be of the same value. For if you lay the dust of Guaiacum in Distilled Fountain Water, boil it for half a day, strain it, and Distill it through a cloth, and let the moisture evaporate over a fire, the same Gum will settle in the bottom. You must choose the most gummy wood, which being held near a candle, will sweat out a kind of Oil.

"The Magistery of Lingnum Aloes."

Take the shavings of the wood worked off, as the former, with a Turners wheel. Lay in in Aqua Vita until it colors it. Then strain it out, and let the moisture evaporate over a fire. and in the bottom of the glass, you will find a most odoriferous Oil, excellent to be used in sweet Ointments.

"The Magistery of Wine, commonly called the Spirit of Wine."

I will first set down the Paracelsian way of extracting it. And afterwards my own, because we cannot use that in our countries. Pour some strong generous Wine into a glass bottle. so that it may fill two parts of it. Stop the mouth of it very exactly, either with Hermitis Sigillum, or a strong glue, which I will hereafter describe to you. And so set it in Fimo three or four months, with an unintermitted fire. In the winter set it out in the frost for a month, and let it freeze. The Spirit or Magistery will retire into the center, because its fiery essence makes it incapable of Conglaciation. Break the vessel, cast away the congealed part, and reserve the liquid, which being circulated in a Pelican for a month, will yield you what you seek. My way is, to put the aforesaid Wine into a round glass vessel. Let it ferment in Fimo, Conglaciate it, as I shall show you. And then breaking the vessel to reserve the unfrozen Liquor, in which you will find a great deal of virtue. But if you desire to have it better, you may perfect it by Circulation.

Chapter XV

"How to Extract Tinctures."

A Tincture is the purest and most active part of a colored body extracted. The noblest Essence of a compound. It is Extracted out of gems, flowers, roots, seeds, and such-like. It differs from Quintessence thus, that it especially draws the color of the body from whence it is Extracted. And requires art and cunning, and diligent attendance, more then labor. It is separated by Distillation, clear from any oiliness or matter. Free from the commixtion of other elements, or any impure substance. It imitates the clearness and perspicuity of the air. And in that brightness represents the color of the gem or flower, from whence it is drawn. Of so pure a substance, that in many years it will not have any Dregs in it, but will continue in a perpetual clearness, subtlety, and strength. After the extraction, the matter remains discolored, and useless for anything. I will present some examples to you how to extract the Tincture out of metals and flowers, etc.

"How to draw out the Tincture of Gold."

If the Virtues of this never sufficiently praised metal, were known, as well for the health of the body, as the convenience of men's living, it would be adored with a greater devotion then it is already. The apes of wise Nature, cunning inquirers in experiments, perceiving a certain glory and brightness in Gold. And an attractive or magnetic Virtue, (if I may so say) which at first sight draws every man's eye to look upon its majesty and beauty. And tempts our hands to touch and handle it. And even our mind's to desire it. So that even infants do rejoice, and laugh at the sight of it. And reach their arms out after it, and catch it, and will no means part from it. Presently conjectured, that there was some extraordinary Virtue in it for the health of man. Astrologers, seeing it contend with the Sun in beams, brightness and glory. And to have a prerogative of majesty among metals, like the Sun among the stars. Do therefore set it down for a Cordial, and a destroyer of Melancholy, and all the ill companions of it. Refiners say, that the elements are so proportionally mixed in the composition of it, so put and compacted, that they account it a most exactly tempered body, and free from corruption. In which there is nothing deficient or so superfluous. So compact and close, that it will not only endure the fire without consumption, but will become more bright and refined by it. It will also lie under ground thousands of years without contracting any Rust. Neither will it foul the hands like other metals, or has any ill scent or taste in it. Wherefore, say they, being taken into our bodies, it must needs reduce the elements and Humors into a right temper. Allay the excessive, and supply the defective, take away all putrefaction. Refresh the natural heat. Purge the blood and increase it. And not only cure all sicknesses, but make us healthy, long lived, and almost immortal. Rainoldus, Raimundus, and other Physicians of the best esteem, do attribute to Gold, a power to corroborate and strengthen the heart, to dry up superfluities and ill Humors. To exhilarate and liven the spirits with its splendor and beauty. To strengthen them with is solidity. Temper them with its equality and preserve them from all diseases. And expel excrements by its weight. By which it confirms youth, restores strength, retards old age, corroborates the principal parts, opens the urinary vessels, and all other passages, being stopped. Cures the falling sickness, madness, and Leprosy, (for which cause, Osiander the Divine wore a chain of Gold about his neck). And also Melancholy. And is most excellent against Poison and infections of the Plague. We will now examine whether the old or new Physicians knew the way to prepare it correctly, to perform these admirable effects. Nicander does mightily cry up for an Antidote against Poison, Fountain water in which Gold had been quenched. Supposing, that it imparts some of its Virtue to the water in the extinction. Dioscorides, Paulus Aegineta, and Aetius, affirm the same. Avicenna says, that the filings of it helps Melancholy, and is used also in Medicines for the shedding of the hair. In liquid Medicines , or reduced into very fine powder, it is used in Collyriums, or Medicines for the eyes, for the pain and trembling of the heart, and other passions of the mind. Pliny uses it burnt in an earthen Pipkin, with a treble quantity of Salt. Whereby it will communicate its Virtue, but remains entire and untouched itself. He also makes a Decoction of it with Honey. Marsilius Ficinus says, it is of a solid substance, and therefore must be Attenuated, that it may penetrate the body. But he is ignorant of the way of it. Only, he advises to give it in Cordial waters, being beaten out of thin leaves. For so the water will suck out the Virtue of it. Or else by extinguishing it in Wine. There are some of Pliny's scholars, who would have the parts of a Hen laid in melted Gold, until it consumes itself. For the parts of a Hen are Poison to Gold. Wherefore Ficinus mixes leaf Gold in Capon broth. Thus far the Grecians, Latines, and Arabians, have discoursed concerning the Extraction of the Tincture of Gold. But they have eroded far from the truth. For what a vanity is it to imagine, that quenching it in water, can Extract the Virtue of it? Or, that the heat of man's body, though it be liquefied and made potable, can draw anything from it, when the force of the most vehement fire is ineffectual and cannot work upon it? I have made trial of it in a most violent fire for the space of three months, and at last I found it nothing abated in weight, but much meliorated in color and goodness. So that the fire, which consumes other things, does make this more perfect. How then can it be concocted by the heat of man's body, which is scarce able to concoct Bread? And how can it impart is Virtue by Extraction, when neither Aqua Vita, nor any strong waters can alter the color or taste of it? I will set down what I have seen. The later learned men, and curious inquirers into Nature, affirm, that the Magistery, secret and Quintessence of Gold, consists in the Tincture. No small labor and pains. For those who pretend to speak of it, do it so intricately and obscurely, that they rather seem to obscure it, or not to understand it, that to discover or teach it. Know therefore, that the Tincture cannot be Extracted, but by perfectly dissolving it in strong waters. And that it cannot be dissolved, as the work requires, in common Aqua Fortis, or Royal Waters. Because the corrosive Salts in them, are not perfectly and absolutely dissolved into water. Wherefore you must learn by continual solution and Immistion, so to Distil them, that the whole substance of the Salt may be melted. Which must be done by reiterating the operation. I have informed you, what Salts are easy to be separated, the which must only be used in this work. After perfect solution, cast in that Menstruum or water, which I have often mentioned for the Extraction of Essences or colors. I have with great joy beheld it attract to itself the golden, yellow, or red color, and a white dust settles down to the bottom. We must then separate the Salt from the Menstruum. Dissolve it, and the Liquor evaporate away. And there will remain true potable Gold, the right Tincture, and that great Arcanum of Philosophers, disguised with so many riddles. So thin, that it will easily penetrate the body, and perform those wonders, which antiquity could only promise.

"Tincture of Roses."

Cut red Rose leaves with a pair of shears into small pieces. Lay them in Aqua Fortis, and they will presently dye it with a sanguine color. After three hours, change those leaves, and put in fresh ones. Until the water becomes very much colored. Then strain it out, and let the