Reg.lat.1200

the entire exhalation original: "exhalationem." In alchemy, this refers to a vapor or spirit released from matter when heated. from which that
humidity is extracted, which is
now called quicksilver, original: "argentum vivum," the liquid metal mercury, used here as a symbol for the "spirit" of the material. which
humidity indeed, when in the fire
and by that same fire, dissolves the
whole composition, congeals, blackens, whitens,
reddens, These three colors—black, white, and red—refer to the nigredo, albedo, and rubedo, the three essential stages of the alchemical "Great Work" (the creation of the Philosopher's Stone). and brings it to completion. Alpha-
dius A pseudo-Arabic alchemical authority widely quoted in the Middle Ages. in his 8th book says:
In this stone or compo-
site are the Sun original: "Sol," representing Gold. and the Moon original: "Luna," representing Silver. in vir-
tue and power, and quicksilver
in nature; for if it were not
in this stone regarding? the
composition, they would make neither
the Sun, nor the Moon, and the whole
is concealed? gold, nor concealed? silver,
because the Sun and Moon themselves