Chemical Theater, or the Opened Door of Chemical Secrets

root-word Zymiâ, which means hidden or concealed; Chemistry is thus named because it is a hidden art, which the Masters of the Art have intentionally kept secret, either because of its presence or for the profit they derived from it; for it can also transform base metals into noble ones, and base stones into precious ones. There are some Greek writers who believe that Egypt was formerly called Chymia, and that this art was called Aegypta Original: Ægypta., which the Egyptians are said to have discovered first, or at least practiced more than others.

III. The subject of Chemistry consists of all bodies, both simple and compound; the former insofar as simple substances are extracted from them; and the latter insofar as they constitute compound bodies. Nevertheless, compound and mixed things are the subject of Chemistry, and these are divided into three kingdoms: the mineral, the vegetable, and the animal.

IV. The kingdom of minerals encompasses metals, stones, and earths.

V. Metals are those minerals which can be melted and forged, of which there are seven, according to the number of the planets: for gold is called Sol The Sun.; silver Luna The Moon.; iron Mars; copper Venus; tin Jupiter; lead Saturn; and quicksilver Mercury.

VI. Stones are said to be minerals which can indeed be melted by fire, but are nevertheless not malleable; and these are either noble, such as diamonds; or base, such as pebbles.

VII. The Earths are also called minerals; these cannot be forged, but can be melted; they can easily be rubbed into pieces, and are either salts, such as rock salt original: sal gemmæ; a pure, crystalline form of salt., saltpeter, sea salt, alum, or vitriol A group of chemicals consisting of hydrated sulfates, often used in making acids.;