SECOND TREATISE.

ON THE OPERATION

OF NATURE IN OUR

I have already said that Nature is true, unique, appearing everywhere, and continuous, and she is recognized by the things she produces—namely, woods, herbs, and so on.

I also said that the seeker of Nature original: "scrutatorem Naturae" must be truthful, simple, patient, and constant, applying their mind to at least one thing, etc. Now we must begin with the act of nature: just as Nature exists within the will of God, and God created her, or imposed her upon all imagination, so Nature made a seed sperma: In alchemical philosophy, this refers to the "generative principle" or "seed" of a substance, containing its potential for growth and transformation. for herself—that is, her will within the Elements. She is indeed one, and yet she produces diverse things; but she performs nothing without the seed. Whatever the seed wills, Nature performs, for she is like the instrument of some Artisan Artifex: The 'Craftsman' or 'Artisan' is a traditional title for the alchemist, who does not create new things but assists Nature in perfecting her work.. Therefore, the seed of each and every thing is better and more useful to the Artisan than Nature herself: For from Nature without the seed, you will accomplish only as much as—