Spagyric Anatomy of Mercury

Sulphur, not only do other metals, such as Gold, Silver, etc., and also certain semi-metals, such as Bismuth, Antimony, Zinc, etc., grow beneath the earth and take the beginning of their generation, of all of which there would otherwise be the greatest rarity and indigence in life, if, by the singular disposition and blessing of God, this mercurial substance did not always previously exist and coalesce in the deeper recesses and caves of the earth, or in more secret hiding places. But it is also primarily accommodated to the various uses of human life, while, indeed, it is necessarily sought and applied partly for the congregation of Gold and Silver, partly for the gilding of vessels, and partly also for the perfection and polishing of other mechanical works. Yet, it serves the medical use not a little, since all manner of excellent, precious, and salutary medicines are prepared and composed from it, which have many times been found to have brought timely, welcome, and desired help to very many in the overcoming of the morbid affections of certain grave diseases and in the recovery of weakened health.