THE ASSEMBLY OF THE PHILOSOPHERS.

...turned. This diversity, however, exists in all creatures because they were created from different elements. For if they had been created from only one element, they would all possess the same nature. But in this world, when the different elements are mixed together, they lose their individual natures; because the dry is mixed with the moist, and the hot is mixed with the cold, the result is neither purely hot nor cold. Likewise, when the moist is mixed with the dry, it becomes neither purely moist nor dry.

When the four elements are mixed, they harmonize, and from them emerge creatures that are never perfected unless they are left for many nights to undergo putrefaction In alchemy, putrefaction is the process of breaking down a substance through "rot" to allow for its spiritual rebirth. and appear to the sight as if they are decaying. Afterward, God completes His creation through growth, nourishment, life, and governance.

Sons of the doctrine, it is not in vain that I have described the arrangement of these four elements to you, for within them a secret is hidden. Two of these—Earth and Water—grant both touch and visibility to the sight; their work and power are well known. The other two elements Air and Fire. are neither seen nor touched, nor do they yield anything directly; their location is not seen, nor is their work or power apparent, except within the first two elements—namely, Earth and Water.

When the four elements are not joined together, no work of the craft artificij Referring to the "Great Work" of alchemy. which men desire can be perfected. But when they are mixed and depart from their original natures, they become something else. Therefore, meditate most carefully upon these things.

And the Assembly said: "Master, if you would speak, we would follow your words."

And he replied: "I have already spoken, and for the preservation of you both, I will say only these words: follow what I say. Know, all you who persevere, that no tincture A substance capable of "dyeing" or transforming base metals into gold or silver. is true unless it comes from our brass original: "ære". In alchemy, "brass" often refers to a specific starting material or "body," rather than the common alloy of copper and zinc.. Do not, therefore, destroy both your souls and your money, lest you bring sadness to your hearts. I shall add this certainty for you: unless you turn the aforementioned brass into white, and make it look like coins original: "nummos". This may refer to the metal becoming shiny and silver-like. to the sight, and then make it red until the tincture is formed, you have accomplished nothing. Therefore, burn that brass, break it apart, and strip it of its blackness by cooking, soaking, and washing it until it becomes white; then, set it in order."

The Tenth Discourse.

Arisleus said: Know that the key to this work is the art of the coins original: "nummorum ars".. Take, therefore, the body which I have shown you, and fit thin plates together from it. Then, place them in the "water of our sea," which is the permanent water original: "aqua permanens". A symbolic term for a solvent that does not evaporate or for a transformative liquid state of the matter.. After it is covered, place it over a gentle fire until the plates are broken and become water, or Ethelia original: "Etheliæ". A technical term likely derived from Greek, referring to a vaporous, spiritualized, or volatile substance., which is the same thing. Mix, cook, and simulate this over a gentle fire until the broth becomes like thick fat, and turn it into its water of Ethelia until it coagulates,