The Child-Bed of the Philosopher's Stone

...lastly says: No one should imagine, nor persuade themselves, that they can make the First Matter First Matter The primordial, unformed substance required to begin the alchemical work. of the Philosopher's Stone; for it is Nature alone that makes it and brings it forth through the help of Art. The pious and kind Synesius Synesius (c. 373–414 AD), a philosopher often cited in alchemical literature regarding the 'viscous water' of the sages. also proves this clearly when he speaks of his viscous, heavenly, and cordial water, saying that it is impossible for us to make it through Art; rather, it is Nature alone that generates and gives birth to it with the help of the clever artist. And to let you see that it is an extraordinary, wonderful, and very hidden thing, he adds that it is precisely the blessed Creative Nature Creative Nature original: natura naturans; a philosophical term for Nature as an active, creative force rather than a passive collection of objects. which gives birth to all things, in which alone the entire Mastery Mastery original: Magisterium; the complete process or the ultimate goal of the alchemical work. consists, and to which you must add nothing foreign, but rather only take away all superfluous matter from it in its first preparation. For in this single matter, all necessary things of this Art are contained, except for its Solar or Lunar Ferment Solar or Lunar Ferment The 'yeast' or catalyst, usually gold (solar) or silver (lunar), added at the end of the process to fix the Stone., which you should only add to it at the end of the work, as the Twelfth Key of Basil Valentine A legendary 15th-century alchemist whose "Twelve Keys" describe the stages of the Great Work through allegories. clearly teaches you. If you ask me specifically at which place, and in which Subject Subject original: Subjecto; the specific substance or material host that acts as the starting point of the experiment. in particular you should actually make Nature bring forth this unique thing through your diligence and understanding, I have nothing to say to you on that matter. It belongs to the highest Creator, who knows the ground of your soul down to the smallest and invisible corners, [to speak to] the ear of your heart...