Now follows that through which the entire work of this mastery is completed, and it is described through several figurative parables and indicated by many proverbs of the philosophers, etc.

The Third Treatise.

Hermes, a Father of the Philosophers

The end...?

says: It is necessary that at the end of this world, heaven and earth come together—meaning by "heaven and earth" the two dispositionsoriginal: "schickhlichaiten"; refers to the two primary substances or qualities being combined in the alchemical vessel mentioned above. However, many accidentsoriginal: "Zufell"; in a philosophical sense, these are unexpected changes or external influences that occur during the chemical process arise in the work before they are brought to the end, and that may be understood through parables and figures as follows hereafter.

God first created the earth level, smooth, fertile, and very rich, without grit, sand, stone, mountain, or valley; but through the influence of the planets and the working of Nature, the earth has now been transformed into many kinds of shapes: outwardly into hard stones, high mountains, and deep valleys; inwardly into strange things and colors. As