The Child-Bed of the Philosopher's Stone

I can tell you only this, if you consider me worthy of your belief: it is that Nature has three brothers and three princes In alchemical philosophy, these "three princes" likely refer to the three prime principles: Sulfur, Mercury, and Salt, which were believed to compose all matter., who through the help of their universal spirit govern and possess everything in this sublunary world. And I may tell you that you should not seek this universal root in the realm of the three great powers: the animal, vegetable, and mineral The "three kingdoms" of traditional natural philosophy.. For even if this root is found fundamentally original: "radicaliter" in the center point of all things, yet when it has been specified into the genera, kinds, and the individual entities original: "Individuis" of Nature—which are its branches, its leaves, its flowers, and its fruits—you can separate nothing from them except with great difficulty. Indeed, it might be mutilated for your purpose, because once this root of life is specified within mixed things, it takes on their specific properties and powers; it does so to such an extent that you cannot entirely strip them away to bring the substance back into its first state of indifference The state of "indifference" refers to the Prima Materia, the raw, undifferentiated substance before it becomes a specific thing like a rock or a rose..

Therefore, take it before it has brought forth anything, and while it is still naturally in potentiality original: "Potentia", or possesses the capacity to bring everything forth. Do not undertake to make Nature go backwards by intending to make raw again those bodies which she has already perfected in her deepest entrails, seeking in that way this fertilizing root and the first seed, or the seminal spermatic matter Refers to the generative "seed" or essence of metals and minerals..

For this reason, beloved reader, be mindful,