The Opened Philosophical Father-Heart (1682) - Page 22

Cap. 3. Concerning the Virgin

secret natural operationes operations or works and disclose them, and at the end of this book I will share the practic practical application with you.

Cap. III.

Which are the true marks by which one should recognize the virgin earth of the wise, which is for certain the materia prima first matter of the stone of the wise.

Just as nothing is more certain than death, and nothing more uncertain than the manner of death and the hour to die, so also is nothing more certain than that the true Philosophi philosophers work upon a certain matter. But also, nothing is more unknown to the Chymisten chemists/alchemists and the ignorant than the knowledge of the matter which the true children of wisdom use to complete the great work.

Now, my son, since I have promised to teach you the practic practical application of our stone smoothly and entirely, I will speak of it simply, sincerely, and without allegory. And I will begin your instruction with a recounting of the properties and certain marks by which you shall recognize our true matter among all things in the world without error. I will tell you the infallible, proper, and ab-