Introduction to the Divine Art of Chemistry

be subjected to nature and to this art would be like saying that natural beings are mathematical, or the converse, which is entirely impossible.

Thus, it is clear that this art is natural, and why, and how. In natural principles and effects, it is an imitator of nature and follows it. It is also of the same matter and the same form entirely, both substantial and accidental, in every way. For this reason, in examinations, it fears no judgment of fire, whatever that may be, but rests in it, and rejoices in the very end of its diminution and some mutation, just like the purest and purified mineral, which is truly evident in experience. For if it were to fail in any examination, it would not be the same as the mineral. Therefore, just as in form, which is a divine thing, there is no hypocrisy, nor falsehood, nor malice found, but pure truth in the judgment of fire, without any iniquity, so also it is in the compound, since the