Two Dialogues on Alchemy

...at last they may arrive at the true knowledge of the principles of nature and art.

DEMO: If I understand your writings correctly, the principles of nature are also the principles of this art. You write in chapter 9 of the fourth book that, after determining the natural principles, you will also speak about the principles of this art, specifically discussing the natural principles of metals. In chapter 12 of the first book, you say that the natural principles in the work of nature are stinking spirits: Volatile substances, such as sulfur or arsenic, characterized by strong odors and the ability to transform metals. and living water: A term for mercury or a universal solvent, considered the "life" of the metallic kingdom., which you also allow to be called dry water original: "aqua sicca." This is an alchemical paradox describing a substance that flows like water but does not wet the hands, often referring to purified mercury.. These same words are repeated in the last chapter of the book on the Investigation of the Mastery, where you conclude that our Stone: The Philosopher's Stone, the goal of the alchemical Great Work. consists of stinking spirits and living water, which we might also rightly call dry water. Therefore, since the natural principles of metals are also the principles of the art, I think no one doubts that the principles of the art can be found through a correct knowledge of natural principles.
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Therefore, I ask that you show me these natural principles in a specific order, so that the principles of this mastery The "mastery" or magisterium refers to the completed alchemical process. might also become manifest to me.

GEBER. This is exactly what the order of teaching requires. For that reason, we wrote in the preface of the first book that those who are ignorant of the natural principles within themselves are far removed from our art. They do not have a true root upon which they can build their intentions.
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In chapter 3 of the same book, we wrote that a person will not find the true root of this most precious art and mastery without certain qualities. They must have a natural talent and a mind that can ingeniously and subtly search into natural principles, the foundations of nature, and the crafts that can follow nature in its specific actions.
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Therefore, you must carefully consider that there are three categories of the natural principles of metals. There are those which are most remote, others which are remote and intermediate minerals, and a third category of immediate principles.
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DEMO: Explain this threefold difference of principles clearly. I wish to accurately understand the entire order of nature in creating or generating metals, and how nature is reached through art...