The Works of Geber (1678)

and not innate in their original nature; therefore, by suitable preparation, it is possible to take away such impurity. For the expoliation stripping away of accidents non-essential properties is not impossible; therefore, the goal of preparation is to take away excess and supply the deficiency in perfect bodies. But preparation is varied according to the diversity of things needing it. For experience has taught us various ways of acting, namely: calcination, sublimation, descension, solution, distillation, coagulation, fixation, and inceration. All of these we sufficiently explain in the Sum of the Perfection of the Magistery. For these are works helpful in preparation.

CHAPTER III.

Of things that aid preparation, and of their cleansing.

Things aiding preparation are these: namely, all kinds of salt, alum, atraments metallic sulfates or vitriols; also glass, borax, and whatever are of this nature, along with very sharp vinegar and fire.

Common salt is cleansed thus: First, burn it, and cast the burnt salt into hot water to be dissolved; filter the solution, and then solidify it by