A woodcut depicts the transition of metallic substances through the influence of the stars and the elements, symbolized by a circular figure representing the unified source of all minerals.

Spirit of Mercury.

Chapter Three.

Although I am accustomed to a peculiar style, which will seem strange to many, there is nonetheless sufficient cause for me to adhere to my own experience, dismissing all trifles, because they flee from my knowledge; and the eyes always prevail over the ears, and truth never fails to snatch the palm from falsehood. I assert, therefore, that all visible and comprehensible things are compounded from the spirit of Mercury, which is preferred over all earthly things of this universe, and to which everything owes its origin. For in it is found what can provide all things and what the seeker of the art desires. It is the beginning of working with Metals, after it has departed into a spiritual essence, which is pure poison, flying hither and thither, without others; it is an agitating wind, which, driven from its dwelling, is thrust by Vulcan into its chaos, into which it returns and is resolved into the Elements,