Introduction to the Divine Art of Chemistry

PRÆFATIO.

Mathematical beings, however, do not perceive a determined matter for themselves, such as a line, a triangle, and a number; because such beings can exist in any matter, for which reason they can be understood while any matter is circumscribed. Metaphysical beings, however, that is, divine, since they lack matter, do not perceive any matter for themselves, wherefore they are understood thus spiritually. Since, therefore, the art of Alchemy is under a part of natural philosophy, since it is subalternated to the book on Minerals, it is necessary that it perceive for itself a determined matter. And because the intention of the art of Alchemy is to follow nature entirely, and in all things, so that it may make the same gold as it does, whatever and of what quality the matter will be according to nature, it will also necessarily be according to the art, since its form is extracted from the potentiality of determined matter, and not from foreign matter. If, however, the matter were not the same, but in some way similar according to genus, the things generated would also be not the same, but similar according to genus, and not according to species and form entirely. Since, therefore, the matter is one, and entirely determined according to nature, and not manifold, therefore, that one and same determined matter will necessarily be similar according to the art of Alchemy, and not manifold. This matter is quicksilver, according to all philosophers, both naturalists and alchemists; therefore, the matter according to the art of Alchemy will likewise be quicksilver. And because matter does not produce itself into being for generation and form, but is digested, directed, and informed by its own proper agent, then it is necessarily required that this quicksilver, which is the matter, be digested, directed, and informed by its own proper agent toward the intended end of nature, which is the generation of metals, and gold, and other things which we shall now leave aside. This agent is sulphur, joined to it in its own mines, having the power to coagulate that quicksilver.