CORNELIUS

DREBBEL

THE BELGIAN original: "BELGÆ". In the 17th century, this term was often used broadly to refer to residents of the Low Countries (the Netherlands and modern-day Belgium).

TWO TREATISES:

ON THE NATURE

OF THE ELEMENTS.

I. ON THE FIFTH

ESSENCE. The "Fifth Essence," or Quintessence, was considered by alchemists to be the purest substance, distinct from the four earthly elements (earth, water, air, and fire).