Reg.lat.1200

undoubtedly superfluous,
as there is a single diversity of the point being argued,
whether in the red or in the white? These colors refer to the albedo (whiteness) and rubedo (redness), the final stages of the Great Work. The author suggests the principle remains the same regardless of which stage the alchemist is targeting.
But because the remainder of the art
is placed hidden within it,
so that—as in the generation of man—the vegetable soul anima vegetabilis | in medieval philosophy, the most basic level of the soul, which governs growth, nutrition, and reproduction
is never placed but once
into the matter matter of the seed.
If, however, it were placed a second time,
then one would destroy
the other—for instance,
on account of the discharge of blood,
or the entrance of air,
or the overabundance of matter.
And for this reason, women exposing themselves
to many varied vices In this medical context, "vices" refers to physical disorders, imbalances of the humors, or behavioral excesses that disrupt the body's natural stability.
do not conceive; and if they do not
conceive The author implies a failure to "hold" the conception or sustain it., they bring forth a miscarriage.