The Works of Geber (1678)

C H A P. I.

Of Things Perfecting and Corrupting Metallic Bodies.

Therefore, seeing this Science treats of the imperfect bodies of minerals, and teaches how to perfect them; we in the first place consider two things, namely imperfection and perfection. Our intention is occupied with these two, and we purpose to treat them. We compose this book of things perfecting and corrupting (according as we have found by experience) because contraries set near each other are the more manifest.

The thing which perfects in minerals is the substance of Argentvive Quicksilver or Mercury and Sulphur mixed in proportion by long and temperate decoction in the bowels of clean, thickened, and fixed Earth (with the conservation of its radical humidity not corrupting) and brought to a solid, fusible substance, with due ignition, and rendered malleable. By the definition of this perfecting nature, we may more easily come to the knowledge of the thing corrupting. And this is that which is to be understood in a contrary sense, namely the pure substance of