Text.BP190.E5r/Translation

The fires of the philosophers are four.

The first is Water that dissolves and calcinates: and it is called the fire contrary to the nature of mercury.

The second, White and Red Sulphur: and it is called the unnatural fire.

The third, the Fire of the Lamp, and it is called the unnatural fire.

The fourth, the Fire of Coals, and it is called the elemental fire.

A small treatise on mercurial waters.

The true mercurial water is perfected by three materials.

First, common mercury is reduced to water, by which perfect bodies are dissolved into mercury, which is vegetatively reduced by the addition of silver, and then animated by the dissolution of the sun.

There are three mercurial waters: Namely, Mineral, Vegetable, and Animal. The mercury of the philosophers is threefold.

First, the common mercury that calcinates bodies.

Second, the water of mercury, dissolving and sublimating the same bodies.

Third, the true mercury of the philosophers, to which ferment is added for the composition of the stone.

Investigate and be silent. B. G. L. from the Port.