The Most Secret Rosary of the Philosophers

as far as the Moon, since it is the noblest of all these; therefore, take gold. Truly, the ruby is proportionally complexioned by the elements, since for the greater part of itself it is of a clear substance, like clear water; and it is coagulated with dryness and great heat. Therefore, it is neither forged nor reduced to another state, unless it is destroyed entirely, since it is contrary to fire in every part. Gold, however, since it is of an earthy substance mixed with water by the smallest parts, is homogeneous to fire on one side of the two extremities, and it is coagulated with cold after the action of heat upon it; therefore, it is forged, melted, and improved in the fire. It is, indeed, proportioned with a better complexion, an equal, nobler, and more durable composition than all other precious stones. Immediately after it is silver; therefore, take silver also for the stone. The defect of other bodies, however, is that heat is increased in them or cold is diminished: just as cold is lacking in copper and iron, but heat in lead and tin. And their nature cannot become gold unless it were first silver, because...