Theatrum Chemicum Volumen Secundum

...the author will have mercy on you. One thing I do not wish to remain hidden from you: all power and the efficacy of the entire art consists in two words, namely, DISSOLVE & CONGEAL original: "SOLVE & COAGVLA," the central axiom of alchemy describing the process of breaking down a substance to its essence and then rebuilding it into a perfected form..

The solution is twofold. Solution through Mercurial water relates to the universal work.

The solution is twofold. The first dissolves bodies into Mercury, which is done through Mercury itself. This was discovered for "particulars" Lesser alchemical works aiming at specific transmutations rather than the universal Stone or Elixir., a path which the Author of this book follows. The second solution, however, is into Mercurial water. This belongs to the universal work. It is a certain transmutation of metallic bodies into their own first matter original: "primā materiam," the original, undifferentiated substance from which all things are made.. The learned Author of this work denies that this can be done, and claims that the spirits of minerals cannot be fixed rendered solid and non-volatile with perfected bodies; he contradicts Raymond Lully A legendary 13th-century philosopher and alchemist, though the alchemical works attributed to him are now considered to be by later authors. and calls that impossible. I do not follow his opinion. Indeed, I prove the contrary by the authorities of many men of this Art. For Geber The Latinized name of Jabir ibn Hayyan, a foundational figure in early chemistry and alchemy. says concerning gold in the third part of the Perfect Magistery, chapter 32:

GEBER’S opinion is worthy of note.

Gold is also the most precious of Metals, and it is the tincture of redness, because it tints and transmutes every body; it is calcined and dissolved with benefit and without benefit, and it is a medicine that brings joy and preserves the body in youth. It is easily broken with Mercury, and is worn down by the scent of Saturn The alchemical name for lead.. Jupiter tin and Luna silver agree with it in substance. Take great note of this. In weight and putrefaction, SATURN lead agrees, and finally Mars iron. And it is one of the greatest secrets of nature. Spirits are likewise mixed with it and are fixed through it with the greatest ingenuity—something that does not reach the craftsman of a stiff neck and heart. Thus says GEBER.

From the LADDER of the Philosophers original: "SCALA philosoph.," referring to the Scala Philosophorum, a well-known alchemical treatise.: Spirits are congealed by the benefit of the dissolution of the fixed nature and of the body, and of its mixing with quicksilver. And another says: Fix therefore earth and water, so that air can be fixed in water; for if you have "killed" the water well, you have killed all the elements, and they are dead.

The little book called the Seven Keys of the Art should be sought out.

Thus far. Read more about these things in the book titled The Seven Keys of the Art, which I shall one day publish, along with a treatise on Mercurial waters, by which any metals are reduced into running Mercury—if eternal GOD the Greatest should wish us to remain among the living. In the meantime, [friendly reader] enjoy these things and farewell; look with favor upon our late-night labors.