A Defense of the Introduction to a True and Unheard-of Physics

§. 4. Furthermore, Lord Helbig Johann Otto von Helbig (1654–1698), a German physician and alchemist who claimed to have discovered the universal medicine. will deny that air and Earth were produced from water; but he will affirm that the viscous water was separated into them. From this, it will be established for every sound Philosopher that it is one thing to be produced, and another to be separated: seeing as separation exhibits parts with nothing remaining Meaning the original whole is divided up into its constituents., whereas production yields a product while the substance remains unharmed. Therefore, the explanation of the Principles original: Principia; the starting points or derivative components of physical things. must be emphasized. Air, Water, and Earth are Principles separated from a single Element, namely viscous water original: aqua viscosa; in 17th-century chemistry, this refers to a primordial, thick, nutrient-rich fluid thought to be the "First Matter" of all things., which, when joined together again, are called an Element. For if, through the imagination of nature, Air, Water, and Earth are united for the production of something, there always arises from these three waters—or principles—one viscous water, or Element. This can be demonstrated by innumerable examples. And if, according to the true saying of the Anonymous author, it is evident:

It will be known "to the bleary-eyed and the barbers" original: Lippis & tonsoribus; a Latin idiom derived from the poet Horace, meaning something is so obvious that even the common folk or those with poor eyesight would know it. that any Animal and vegetable returns in its end to viscosity. He who notices the viscosity of the generating seed in the Animal, and of the vegetating seed in the Vegetable, remains doubtful of the matter...