Basilii Valentini Tr. De rebus

; thus it will afterward happen that, these being perceived, it may prove by infallible experiment that one has snatched the palm from those who deny all faith to supernatural things. It will likewise refute the opinions of many who, disputing about natural things and not grasping the foundation, do nothing but trifles and rashly produce their contentions.

The first tincture and root of Metals.

Chapter two.

BUT that I may fulfill my undertaking, with GOD permitting, and grasp the doctrine concerning the first tincture, root, and generation of Metals and Minerals, it is to be known that the tincture and root of all Metals is also a supernatural, volatile, and fiery Spirit, which sustains itself in the air, and naturally seeks its seat in water and earth, where it can rest and operate. This Spirit is found in all Metals, and more abundantly in others than in gold, since it is solid, firm, and compact because of its cooked, matured, and fixed body; therefore, besides what the body requires, it can receive no more. But the remaining Metals are destitute of such a fixed body, but their pores lie open and are widely dispersed, therefore the Spirit of the tincture can penetrate and occupy them more copiously. But since the bodies of other metals are unfixed, the Tincture also with the wandering bodies