On the Division of Chymistry. 3

The solution of bodies is of those that are harder and of a firmer composition, which the chemist does not always attain. But very often, they are torn into smaller particles, which nevertheless remain with their substance intact (the proximity being merely harmed), as appears in metals and very many minerals, which, although they may seem to have assumed another figure by this or that solvent, and appear completely destroyed, nonetheless, when the corrosive salt is removed, they are seen to be intact.

The principles are counted as five by chemists, to which, although we do not assent, nevertheless, having premised our opinion, we shall briefly run through them so that it may appear all the more clearly what the authors propose for themselves in these.

It is beyond doubt that all bodies in general consist of two particles, namely fluid and firm, whence those two philosophical principles, motion and rest, derived their origin. There are various degrees of fluidity, whence the Aristotelians assumed for themselves fire, air, and water as fluid elements; the Cartesians, subtle matter and globules of a different element; the Helmontians, water alone and the most subtle; some New thinkers original: "Neoterici", nitro-aerial and other particles similar to them. But we, since we intend to demonstrate nothing other than that which we can grasp under our hands,