Alchemiae Gebri Arabis philosophi solertissimi, libri, cum reliquis, ut versa pagella indicabit

On the preparation and improvement of bodies in general. Chapter V.

They are prepared and depurated by these [means] for the intention of the fire, by this mode. For these imperfect bodies have superfluous moistures, and combustible sulphur, which generate blackness in them and corrupt them. They also have unclean, dreggy, and combustible earthiness, which is too coarse, hindering penetration and fusion. These and such like things are superfluous in these aforementioned bodies, which have been found in them by our experience, and certain and ingenious investigation. And because these superfluities supervene to these bodies accidentally, and not radically, and the stripping of accidents is possible, it is necessary for us to remove all superfluous accidents with the artificial fire and these aforementioned purified corrosives, with only the substance of quick-silver and radical sulphur remaining. And this is the complete preparation of imperfect [bodies], and perfect depuration. The improvement, depuration, and subtiliation of these, [with] the pure substance remaining, is done in many ways, according to what the elixir needs. Therefore, the mode of preparation and depuration in general is this. For first, all superfluous and corrupt moisture in their essence must be elevated with proportional fire, also the subtle and burning superfluity, and this by calcining. Then, the total remaining substance, corrupt in their lime calcined powder of superfluous burning moisture and blackness, must be corroded with these aforementioned purified, corrosive, sharp, or acerbic [substances], until the lime is white or red, or colored according to the nature and property of the body, and clean and pure from all superfluity or corruption previously narrated. And these are purified with these corrosives by grinding, imbibing, and washing. Afterwards, all earthy