Part 21

Although therefore it was not our purpose in the beginning to write in this place of Physick, yet for the sake of true, and genuine Physitians, I could not pass over these things in silence.

_Of Minerall Signes._

[Sidenote: How Mineralls differ.]

Mineralls also, and Metalls before they come to the fire have their true signes, and significations, which they have received from the Archeius, and the superiour stars, every one of them resembling some kind of them by distinct colours, and differences of the earth. For the Minerall of Gold, is distinct from the Minerall of Silver: so also is the Minerall of Silver from that of Copper: and the Minerall of Copper from that of Iron: so the Minerall of Iron from that of Tinne, and Lead, and so of the rest.

No man can deny, but that the Minerall, and all Metallick bodies of Mines, which lie hid in the earth, may be known by art of Chiromancy by their exteriour signes. That is, the Chiromancy of Mines, Veines, and Conduits, &c. by which not only those things, which being hid within them, are brought forth, but also a certaine depth, and richnesse of the Mine, and plenty of Metall is manifested. And in this Chiromancy three things are necessary to be known, _viz._ the age, depth, and breadth of the veins, as hath been said a little before of hearbs. For by how much the older the veins are, by so much the richer, and more augmented are the Mines.

Concerning this we must know thus much, that all Metalls, which as yet lie hid in their matrix doe constantly grow.

[Sidenote: There are Three chiefe heads of all things.]

Whence also it is manifest, that every thing that growes, although it be placed out of its matrix cannot be made lesse, but forthwith grows, (_i.e._) is multiplyed, and according to its substance, measure, and weight, grows untill the predestinated time. Now this predestinated time is the third part, of the appointed age of all Mineralls, Vegetables, and Animalls, which are the three chief heads of all earthly things.

Now whatsoever doth yet remaine in its matrix, doth grow so long untill the matrix dies. For the matrix hath its appointed time to live, and die, especially if it be subject to externall Elements.

[Sidenote: What is the tearme of Elements.]

That which is not subject to them, hath no other time, or term then the Elements themselves have, with which it also shall die and perish in the day of Renovation (which is their term.)

Hence it follows, that all things which are within the earth are not subjected to the externall Elements, neither are they sensible of cold, or moisture, or drynesse, or wind, or aire, by which they may bee destroyed. Such kind of bodies therefore cannot bee putrefied, or contract any filthinesse, or stink, or die, as long as they continue within the earth, in their Chaos.

So much be spoken of Metalls, and as of them, so also it may bee said of many men, who in the caves of mountaines live some hundreds of years, as if they were gyants, or pygmies, of which we have wrote a particular book.

But to descend to the practise of the Chiromancy of Mines, which wee shall give you to understand in few words; you must know that the veines by how much the deeper, and broader they are, so much the older. For where the course of the veins is a great way extended, and at length decay, and are not hidden, it is a bad signe. For as the courses of the veins doe decay, so also doe the Mines themselves decay, which they signifie by their depth. Although sometimes there are good Mines found, yet by how much the deeper they goe, they doe more, and more decay, so that it is not worth while to worke in them. But when the veins are enlarged with other additions, or oftentimes cut off, it is a good signe, shewing that the Mines are good not only in the top, but that the same also are increased, and multiplyed in depth, and length for the most part, the Mines being made more rich, afford pure gold, and so a most large treasure.

It is without ground, that many Miners commend those veins only which go directly downward, and incline from the East to the West. For the nature of the Mines and experience teacheth, that veins oftentimes which bend from the West to the East, or from the South to the North, and so contrarily from the North to the South, are not lesse rich then others are. Therefore there is no vein to be esteemed before another. But we think it convenient to discourse of this no longer.

[Sidenote: By what signes Mines are discovered.]

Now concerning the other signes of the internall earth, as also the colours of Mineralls, we shall briefly discourse of them thus.

As oft as Miners fall upon a fat earth, which doth signifie a vein of a pure, and new metall, that is a very good signe assuring that, that Metall, of which it is a vein, is not far off.

So also if the earth that is digged have no Metall in it, but be fat, of a white colour, or black, or like clay or green, or blue, &c. then that also is a good signe of some good Metall that is hid under it. Therefore you must continue digging, and not give over.

Miners in the first place have respect to the excellent, beautiful, and chiefest colours, as are green earth, or Chrysocoll, Verdegrease, Azure, Cinnabar, Sandaracha, Auripigmentum, Litharge of Gold, and Silver, &c. every one of these almost doe for the most part signifie a peculiar Metall, or Minerall.

So Verdegrease, Chrysocolla, green earth, for most part signifie Copper.

So Azure, or white Arsenick, or Litharge of Silver signifie the Metall of Copper.

So Cinnabar, and Sandaracha do sometimes signifie Gold, sometimes Silver, and sometimes a mixture of both.

So Auripigmentum, red Sulphur, and Litharge of Gold, for the most part signifie Gold.

So when Chrysocoll is found mixt with the Azure, or the Azure with Chrysocoll, and Auripigment, for the most part they signifie an excellent and rich Minerall.

Where stones, or earth are found of an Iron colour, they doe certainly betoken an Iron Mine.

You must note, that sometimes it comes to passe, that the Archeius of the earth doth by some secret passage cast up some Metall from the more inward part of the earth. And that is a good signe.

Miners therefore must not bee discouraged when they see such certaine signes, and hope of some excellent Mine lying under. And if thin leaves of Metalls, like Talke, do adhere to rocks, or stones, that is a most sure sign.

[Sidenote: What Coruscations signifie in Mines.]

Now concerning Coruscations they must bee diligently, and studiously observed, for, they are most certain signes of Metalls lying hid under them, as also of the same extent, and same kind. Where yet wee must note, that those Metalls are not yet come to perfection, but are as yet in their first being. And whither soever the Coruscation reacheth, so far also reacheth the course of Metalls, &c.

[Sidenote: Coruscations are of three colours.]

Moreover you must know, that Coruscation is of a threefold colour, as White, Yellow, and Red, whereby all Metalls are discovered to us. For a white Coruscation signifies white Metalls, as Tinne, Lead, Silver, &c. a red Coruscation signifies red Metalls, as Copper, and Iron, &c. a yellow Coruscation signifies golden Metalls.

Add moreover, that a thin, and subtil Coruscation is the best signe.

For as you see it is in trees, that by how much the fewer flowers there are, so much the better, greater, and more savory are the fruit: so also small and subtile Coruscations signifie subtile and excellent Metalls, as the contrary doe the contrary.

Moreover you must know, that as long as those Coruscations appear, whether they be great, or small, or of this or that colour, the Metalls in those Mines have not yet attained to perfection, but are yet in their first being as the sperm of a man in the matrix of a woman.

[Sidenote: What Coruscation is.]

But now what Coruscation is, wee must consider in this place: and we must know that it appears in the Mines by night like a sparkling fire, no otherwise then gunpowder that is laid in a long train, and being kindled at one end makes a long flashing.

After the same manner is Coruscation carried along, from the East to the West, or from the West to the East, from the South to the North, or contrarily.

All these Coruscations, how ever they appear, are a certain signe of Courses of Metalls, that by them they may be known, and Metalls as certain gifts of God may be brought forth out of the earth. For what God created for mans use, hee put that nature into it that it should not be hid: and although it were hid, yet he made peculiar externall signes which conduce to the finding of it out, by which the wonderful predestination of it may be known.

In the same manner if men hide treasures they marke the place with some certain marks, and bury them by some bound, statue, or fountaine, or any other thing, that when there is occasion they may find, and dig them up again.

[Sidenote: How Chaldeans and Grecians hide their treasure.]

The ancient _Chaldeans_ and _Grecians_, if in times of war fearing to be driven away, or banished, they would hide their treasure, would marke the place no otherwise, then propose to themselves a certain day, hour, and minute of the year, and did observe in what place the Sun, or Moon should cast their shadow, and there did bury, and hide their treasure.

[Sidenote: What Sciomancy is.]

This Art they call _Sciomancy_, _i.e._ the Art of Shadowing. By these shadowings many Arts have had their ground, and many hid things have been revealed, and all Spirits, and Astrall bodies are known.

These are Cabalisticall signes, that cannot deceive, and therefore diligently to bee taken notice of.

[Sidenote: Divining Rods uncertaine.]

You must therefore take heed, that you suffer not your selves to be seduced by the divinations of uncertain Arts; for they are vain, and fruitlesse, especially Divining rods, which have deceived many Miners. For if they shew a thing truly once, they faile ten times.

Also wee must not trust other fraudulent signes of the devill, which are made, and appeare in the night, and at some inconvenient times preternaturally, such as are ghosts, & visions. For I would have you know, that the devill can shew, and cause signes, but out of meer fraud, and deceit.

So there is no Church built, but the devill hath his Chappell there. There is no Chappell built, but hee sets up his Altar. There is no good seed, but hee sows amongst it his tares. The same is the nature of Visions, and supernaturall Apparitions, in Crystalls, Berills, Looking-glasses, and Waters, as they are by Ceremoniall Negromancers contrary to Gods command, and the power of the light of Nature basely abused.

Visions indeed are not absolutely to be rejected; for they have their place, but then they must bee done after another processe. For now wee are not any longer in the first generation, but the second. Ceremonies therefore, and Conjurations are not any longer to be used by us Christians in the regeneration, as the Ancients in the old Testament, who lived in the first generation used them. For those prefigurations were for us who were to live in the New Testament.

Whatsoever things therefore the Ancients that were under the Old Testament, and in the first Generation did doe by Ceremonies, Conjurations, &c. wee Christians of the second Generation, and in the New Testament must doe by prayer, knocking, and seeking, and procure by faith.

[Sidenote: In what chiefe points the foundations of Magick and Cabalie consists.]

In these 3 chief points consists all the foundation of the Magicall, and Cabalisticall Art, by which wee may obtain whatsoever we desire, so that to us Christians nothing is impossible.

But wee shall desist to treat here of more things concerning these and other monuments of Cabalie, spoken of sufficiently in the book of _Visions_. I refer you thither, that you may see how wonderfully Christ the Son of God works by his Angells in us Christians, and the faithfull, and how brotherly he is conversant with us. Whence we are the true Angels, and members of Christ, as hee is our head, as hee is in us, so we live in him, as is taught in the booke of the Lords Supper.

[Sidenote: What is the vertue of the Tincture of Philosophers.]

But to returne to our purpose concerning Minerall signes, and especially concerning the Coruscation of Metalline veins, we must know, that as Metalls, which are yet in their first being, send forth their Coruscation, _i.e._ Signes, so also the _Tincture of Philosophers_, which changeth all imperfect Metalls into Silver, and Gold (or White Metalls into Silver, and Red into Gold) puts forth its proper signs like unto Coruscation, if it be Astrally perfected, and prepared. For as soon as a small quantity of it is cast upon a fluxil metall, so that they mixe together in the fire; there ariseth a naturall Coruscation, and brigthnesse, like to that of fine Gold, or Silver in a test, which then is a signe that that Gold, or Silver, is freed and purged without all manner of addition of other Metalls.

[Sidenote: How the Tincture of Philosophers is made astrall.]

But how the Tincture of Philosophers is made Astrall, you must conceive it after this manner:

First of all you must know, that every Metall, as long as it lies hid in its first being, hath its certaine peculiar stars.

So Gold hath the stars of the Sun, Silver the stars of the Moon, Copper the stars of Venus, Iron the stars of Mars, Tinne the stars of Jupiter, Lead the stars of Saturne, Quicksilver the starres of Mercury.

But as soon as they come to their perfection, and are coagulated into a fixt Metalline body, their stars fall off from them, and leave them, as a dead body.

Hence it follows, that all such bodies are afterwards dead, and inefficacious, and that the unconquered star of Metalls doth overcome them all, and converts them into its nature, and makes them all Astrall.

[Sidenote: Gold that is made by the Tincture is better then naturall.]

For which cause also our Gold, and Silver, which is tinged, and prepared with our tincture, is much more excellent, and better for the preparation of Medicinall secrets, then that which is naturall, which Nature generates in the Mines, and afterwards is separated from other Metalls.

So also the Mercury of a body, is made Astrally of another body, and is much more noble, and fixt then common Mercury. And so of the other Metalls.

I say therefore, that every Alchymist, which hath that star of Gold, can turne all Red Metalls into Gold by tinging of them.

So by the star of Silver all White Metalls are changed into Silver: by the star of Copper into Copper: by the star of Quicksilver into Mercury of the body; and so of the rest.

But now how all these stars are prepared according to the Spagiricall Art, it is not our purpose at this time to declare: but the explication of them belongs to our bookes of the Transmutation of Metalls.

[Sidenote: The nature of the red Tincture.]

But as for that which concerns their signes, I would have you know, that our Red tincture, which contains the stars of Gold to bee of a most fixt substance, of most quick penetration, and of a most intense redness, in powder resembling the colour of Saffron, but in its whole body the colour of a Rubie; I say it is a Tincture as fluxil as Wax, as transparent as Crystall, as brittle as Glasse, and for weight most heavy.

[Sidenote: The nature of the white.]

The white tincture, which containes the star of the Moon is after the same manner of a fixt substance, of an unchangeable quantity, of wonderfull whitenesse, as fluid as Resine, as transparent as Crystall, as brittle as Glasse, and for weight like to a Diamond.

[Sidenote: The star of Copper.]

The star of Copper is of a wonderfull citrine colour, like to an Emrald, as fluxill as Resine, much heavier then its Metall.

[Sidenote: The star of white Tin.]

The starre of white Tinne is as fluid as Resine, of a darke colour with some mixture of yellow.

[Sidenote: The star of Iron.]

The star of Iron is very red, as transparent as a Granate, as fluxil as Resine, as brittle as Glasse, of a fixt substance, much heavier then its Metall.

[Sidenote: The star of Lead.]

The star of Lead is like Cobaltum, black, yet transparent, as fluxile as Resine, as brittle as Glasse, equall to Gold for weight, heavier then other Lead.

[Sidenote: The star of Quicksilver.]

The star of Quicksilver is of a wonderfull white, sparkling colour, like to snow, in the extreamest cold weather, very subtile, of a penetrating, corrosive acrimony, as transparent as Crystall, flowing as easily as Resine, very cold to the tast, but very hot within, as if it were fire, but of a very volatil substance in the fire.

By this description the stars of the Metalls are to be known, and understood.

Also you must understand, that for the preparation of both tinctures, _viz._ of the Red and White, you must not in the beginning take of your work the body of Gold, or Silver, but the first being of Gold, and Silver. For if in the beginning there be an errour committed all your pains, and labour will be in vain.

So also you must understand of Metalls, that every one of them receives a peculiar signe in the fire, by which it is known.

Of this kind are sparks, flames, glisterings, the colour, smell, taste of fire, &c.

So the true signe of Gold, or Silver in the test is glistering.

That appearing, it is certain that Lead, and other Metalls that were mixed are fumed away, and that the Gold, and Silver is fully purged.

The signes of Iron being red hot in the furnace, are cleer transparent sparks flying upward. Those appearing, the Iron unlesse it be taken from the fire is burnt like straw, &c.

[Sidenote: To know how Metalls have more or less of the three principles.]

After the same manner any earthly body shews its peculiar, and distinct signes in the fire, whether it have more of Mercury, Sulphur, or Salt, and which of the three principles it hath most of. For if it fume before it flame, it is a signe that it containes more Mercury then Sulphur.

But if it presently burn with a flame, and without any fume, it is a signe that it contains much Sulphur, and little or no Mercury.

This you see in fat substances, as Tallow, Oyle, Resine, and the like: but if without any flame it goes all into fume, it is a signe that there is in it much Mercury, and little or no Sulphur.

This you see happens in hearbs, and flowers, &c. and other Vegetable substances, and volatile bodies, as are Mineralls, and Metalls, remaining yet in their first being, and are not mixed with any sulphureous body, which send forth a fume, and no flame.

Mineralls, and Metalls, which send forth neither fume nor flame, doe shew an equall mixtion of Mercury, and Sulphur, and a perfect fixation.

_Of some peculiar Signes of Naturall and Supernaturall things._

Wee must yet further speak of some peculiar signes, of which hitherto we have said nothing.

In which Treatise it will be very necessary for you, that boast your selves to have skill in the Art of Signatures, and desire to be called Signators, that you rightly understand mee. For wee shall not in this place write theoretically, but practically, and shall declare our opinion in few words.

[Sidenote: What the art of signing is.]

And first know, that the Art of signing doth teach how true, and sutable names are to bee put upon all things, all which _Adam_ truly knew. For presently after the Creation hee gave to every thing its proper name, as to Animalls, so to Trees, Hearbs, Rootes, Stones, Mineralls, Metalls, Waters, &c. And to all the fruits of the earth, Water, Air, Fire, &c. And what names he put upon them all, were ratified, and approved of by God. For from the true, and intrinsecall foundation he tooke them all; not from opinion, or from a predestinated science, _viz._ the Art of Signing.

[Sidenote: Adam the first signator.]

_Adam_ therefore was the first Signator. And it cannot be denyed, that also from the _Hebrew_ tongue true and proper names doe flow, and are put upon every thing according to its nature, and condition.

[Sidenote: The nature of the Hebrew tongue.]

For what names are put upon them from the _Hebrew_ tongue, doe with the same labour signifie their vertue, power, and property.

So when wee say, this is a Hog, a Horse, a Cow, a Beare, a Dog, a Fox, a Sheep.

[Sidenote: The signification of a Hog, Horse, Cow, Beare, Fox, Dog, sheep, in the Hebrew tongue.]

The name of a Hog signifies together with it a filthy and unclean Animall: so a Horse signifies a strong and patient Animall: a Cow, a devouring, and insatiable beast: a Bear, a strong, victorious, and an untamed brute: a Fox, a shifting, and crafty beast: a Dog, an animall false to those of his own kind: a Sheep, a mild and profitable beast, and hurtful to none.

Hence it is that a man is called a Hog, for his sordid and swinish life.

And a Horse for his bearing, for which hee is eminent.

And a Cow, because shee is unsatiable with meat, and drink, and knows no measure of her belly.

And a Bear, because he is mishapen, and stronger then other men.

A Fox, because he is a turn-coat, and deceitfull, accommodating himselfe to all, and offending none.

A Dog, because he is faithfull to none, but his own mouth, is false, and inofficious to all.

And a Sheep, because hee hurts no body but himselfe, and is usefull to all, rather then to himself, &c.

[Sidenote: In what hearbs there is a signature.]

After this manner also many Hearbs, and Rootes have got their name.

So Eye-bright is so called, because it cures weak, and sore eyes.

So the Root Bloudwort is so called, because it stops bloud better then any other.

So the Hearb Pile-wort is so called, because it cures the piles better then other hearbs.

The same also may be said of divers other hearbs, of which sort I could reckon a great number, all which were so called from their vertue, and faculty, as shall more largely be declared in our Herball.

Moreover, there bee many Hearbs, and Rootes, which are denominated not only from their imbred vertue, and faculty, but also from their figure, forme, and representation: As, Devills-bit, Five-leaved grasse, or Cinquefoile, Hounds-tongue, Adders-tongue, Horse-taile, Liver-wort, Ox-tongue, Lungwort, the hearb Chameleon, St. Johns-wort, or the hearb boared through, the hearb Dog-stone, Tongue-laurell, Thorow-leafe, Turne-sole, and many others which shall not here, but in the Herball bee severally considered.

[Sidenote: What signature there is in Animalls.]

The same also holds concerning the signes of Animalls; for by the bloud, and its circle, and by the urine and its circle all diseases that lie hid in Man may be known.

By the liver of a slain beast the flesh is known whether it be wholsome to be eaten or no. For unlesse the liver be clear, and of a red colour, but blew, or yellow, or rough, or full of holes, the beast is diseased, and therefore his flesh unwholsome.

[Sidenote: The Liver the originall of Bloud.]

And it is no wonder that the liver can shew that by naturall signes. For the originall of the bloud is in the liver, and hence through the veins it is diffused into the whole body, and is coagulated into flesh.

Therefore from a diseased, and ill affected liver, no sound or fresh bloud can be produced, as of bad bloud no wholsome flesh can be coagulated.

Also without inspection into the liver, flesh and bloud may be known. For if both be sound, they have their true, and naturall colour, which is red, and clear, mixed with no other strange colour, as yellow, or blew. For those strange colours do signifie diseases, and sicknesses.

[Sidenote: What the knots in the Navell of the Infant signifie.]