The Prosperity of Germany, Part Two

Therefore, I bring into the sense of "minerals" those things which, comprising a metallic nature, join themselves to metals, and in liquefaction and fusion unite into one body with them, so that with the help of art and fire, tested and malleable metals may be elicited from them. I shall subject these to the inquiry of examination here, to see what good they might supply.

Concerning Antimony.

Stibium or Antimonium is the most noble of all minerals, insofar as it not only usually comprises gold hidden in its own bowels, but also provides most healthful and excellent medicines for the sick bodies of men. In its mines, it dilates itself through its own extensions, which run through the paths of the veins. That which is dug out in Transylvania contains much gold and is preferred to all others in Europe. In dignity, it is succeeded by that which the Sudetes mountains—near the town of Gold-Cronach—bring forth from their bowels. The Polish variety, and those found in other places in Germany, containing either no or little gold, though some containing much silver, are for the most part not sought after or used, except by the founders of type and characters, by whom they are used to promote a readier and easier fusion for liquefying their masses. In banishing most dangerous diseases, they indeed provide incredible results, but they labor under a certain inveterate hatred among their mortal enemies, who, immersed in the darkness of ignorance, understand nothing and therefore hold such gifts in contempt. But that there lies more good and benefit in antimony alone than all those enemies can grasp with their dim and rude intellects, my Panacea universal cure attests, of which the second part of my Pharmacopææ pharmacopeia/dispensatory makes mention.
Basilius Valentinus, a most excellent philosopher, wrote in honor of this mineral his Currus Triumphalis Triumphal Chariot, a book indeed most excellent and very useful to read. Furthermore, in what manner a Regulus metallic base/pure metal—or a certain metallic mass—is to be made from antimony and for what uses it is to be applied