The Archidoxes and Medico-Chemical Works of Paracelsus

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What the powers of these elements are, and why they are declared in this place in this way, we will explain more broadly in other books.

On the separation of air.

Air, etc.

The element of air, received in an excellent glass and closed by the Seal of Hermes hermetic seal, is to be exposed to the sun through the entire summer, and digested: by circulating, the air is changed into an aqueousness that increases more daily. You will separate this quantity in this way. Let it be putrefied in horse dung for four weeks, afterwards you will distill through the bath, as fire. Regarding its powers, more is said elsewhere.

On the separation of water.

Water, etc.

Expose it to the warm sun for a month, with the glass completely full, not at all empty, closed by the Seal of Hermes, so that it may have a daily and similar heat, as if it were boiling, but because of the fullness it cannot. Alembic of three beaks. That time having passed, let it putrefy for four weeks, afterwards open it, and distill through an alembic with three beaks: by this way three elements are separated, and the earth of its water remains at the bottom. The nature of its virtues in many cases is proclaimed to be of many.

On the separation of earth.

Earth, etc.

The process of earth is to be kept the same as in water, except only for the distillation. For this is similar to that which is made in fire, and is perfected by the same way. We posit this separation of the elements in this place for many reasons, not only because it is very useful in philosophy, but also in medicine. We have written sufficiently enough concerning the separations of the elements thus far, although more can be written, yet not by any means entirely necessary.

Now we will declare the separation of the pure from the impure, according to the proposal of our decree: which is indeed made by the same way that we teach concerning Arcana and potable gold: therefore, it is not to be brought in here. Although this process from the beginning is not completely the same with that which is posited concerning arcana and masteries, nevertheless I finally assume the same way of preparation through the separation of the elements. Since these are separated, in this place, afterwards each one is purged from the impurities existing in it, so that no deformity or impediment arises from them, which otherwise could easily happen.