Manuscript Transmitted to the Serene Duke of Holstein Explaining the Obscure Matters of Alchemists

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shadow; for it darkens the water and the elements, and causes Solar and Lunar eclipses. It is called Luna the Moon, since it is of its property and nature, cold and moist, and in a similar way works upon inferior things, and receives light from its Sun. It is called the Signed Star and Lucifer, since it shines in the work in the morning and evening, which is very wonderful to behold. It is called permanent water, metallic water of life, incorruptible foliated water. For it persists in fire, air, and earth, and is corrupted by no element. It is also called burning and fiery water. For it liquefies all metals, more than all coals and flames, which fire itself cannot perform. It is also called Salt of Nitre and of Rock; for it has its properties and qualities and is extracted in the same or a similar way. It is also called Lye, because it washes and wipes away metallic filth, and its own [filth], so that it may become most pure. It is also called Spouse, Mother, Conjugal partner, Eve, and truly such. For from her are born royal Sons to our King. It is also called a pure and immaculate virgin. For she remains pure and chaste, even if she gives birth to sons. And she strangles and kills them and her own husband, and revives them again into incorruptible and immortal life. It is called Milk of the virgin, when its liquor comes forth from its Earth in the manner of milk, and in the receiving vessel is coagulated into butter, which flows when warm, and is coagulated when cold. It is called blood, because it turns red, like blood, and produces redness, and contains the spirit of life, just as blood does. It is called Bath, because it washes and purifies our king, and makes all metals sweat. It is called Syrup of Pomegranates because of the pleasant acidity that exhilarates all things. It is called strongest vinegar, which gnaws at metals, and dissolves them. It is called lead because it is a heavy and ponderous matter, and because it turns black, like lead. It is called Venus of nature, because it burns and completes all things, and matures, and cooks them. It is called spittle of the Moon because it throws it from the celestial Moon into the waters, like spittle. It is called Serpent and Dragon. Since it devours and consumes all metals, and contains poisons within itself. It is called Urine of boys and urine of a white calf, because of its acrimony and great stench.