Letter to the Gold-Seeking Lovers of Chemistry and Alchemy

15. Now, however, it is necessary above all to know which of these is the most universal original: "universalissimum"; referring to the highest medicine that can treat all diseases and all metals., and which, with respect to original: "respectu" this most universal substance, have been the particular tinctures; for between the Elixir A potent alchemical liquid intended for transformation or healing., the Iris Likely referring to the iridescent "peacock's tail" stage of the process, or a specific lower-level tincture named for its colors., and the Stone original: "lapide"; the Philosopher's Stone, the ultimate solid goal of the Great Work., there is in fact an essential difference. One must know that many errors spring from this source, and that a seeker original: "Liebhaber"; literally a "lover" of the art. cannot easily become wise by reading the philosophical books if he does not grasp this difference. For here, the philosophers do not agree in choosing the material original: "in eligenda materia", although they are in agreement regarding the three principles original: "tribus principiis"; the triad of Sulfur, Mercury, and Salt from which all matter was thought to be composed.. For there are tinctures discovered by various philosophers for tinting metals, such as those by: Paracelsus, Valentinus, Geber, and many others, of whom Baron Schröter Probably referring to the 17th-century alchemist and writer Wilhelm von Schröter. mentions that they achieved Projection The final act of alchemical transformation, where the "Stone" or powder is cast onto molten base metal to turn it into gold or silver.. This was nevertheless not the true Philosopher's Stone original: "lapis Philosophorum", regardless of the fact that these authors, in the preparation original: "præparatione" of the same, make mention of their green and red lions Symbolic terms: the "Green Lion" usually refers to a strong solvent or raw mineral, while the "Red Lion" refers to the final, perfected state of the matter.. Even though their works passed through all the colors, even unto the Redness The "Rubedo" or final red stage of the alchemical process., a true researcher and hermetic son original: "filius hermeticus"; a dedicated initiate following the teachings of Hermes Trismegistus. must nevertheless [know] the difference of the one from the [other]...