The Hermetic Museum, Vol. I — trans. A. E. Waite (1893)

If one or more of the above defects are observed, the whole compound must again be taken out of the phial, and once more solved in the aforesaid water of mercury (also called virgin's milk, or the milk,blood, and sweat ofthe First Matter,or the never-failing fountain, or the water of life, which nevertheless contains the most malignant poison); with this water it must once more be moistened and saturated, and then subjected to the action of the fire, until there is no longer any sublimation or formation of gaseous vapours; or till the final coagulation has duly taken place, as described above. Of its subsequent fermentation and multiplication, and of its uses, more will be said in the third part.

Of the Zzze required for the whole process, it is impossible to say anything very definite ; and, indeed, the Sages have put forward the most conflicting opinions on this point—no doubt because some have been occupied with it longer than others. But ifany man will carefully observe the working of Nature, and be guided by her teaching, and in all things hold a middle course, he will gain his object sooner than one that trusts too blindly to his own wisdom.

But I tell thee not to go beyond the middle point of the letter X either in the former or latter stage of the operation, but to take one half (V) for the time of the solution and the other half for the composition. "Then, again, for the final union, the number XX should be thy guide (unless anything unforeseen should occur) Be satisfied with that space of time. On the other hand, do not try to hurry on the consummation, for one hours mistake may throw thee back a whole month. If thou strivest unduly to shorten the time thou wilt produce an abortion. Many persons have, through their ignorance, or self-opinionated haste, obtained a Nihilixir instead of the hoped for Elixir.

In view of the importance of this magical science, I have thought it right to lay this before the sons of knowledge, for their careful consideration.

RIDDLE.

There are seven cities, seven metals, seven days, and the number seven; seven letters, seven words in order meet, seven times, and as many places; seven herbs, seven arts, and seven stones. Divide seven by three, and thou shalt be wise. No one will then strive to precipitate the half. In brief, all will proceed favourably in this number."

In the following lines the whole Process is briefly described :—

(L)—THE FIRST STAGE. * Dissolve your substance, and then let it be decomposed ; then let it be distilled, and once more condensed."

(IL)— THE SECOND STAGE.

*Combine two things, decompose them, let them become black. Digest them and change them to white by your skill ; at last let the compound change to a deep red, let it be coagulated, and fix it; and you will be a favoured man. f, afterwards, you cause it to ferment, you will have conducted the whole work prosperously. Then tinge therewith whatsoever you will, and it will multiply to you infinite treasure."

Or, more briefly, thus :— | * Seek three in one, again seek one in three. Dissolve, and condense, and thou shalt be master of the Art."

A Riddle in which also the Process is indicated :—

* A spirit is given for a time to the body, and that spirit is thelife of a soul. Ifthe spirit draw the soul to itself, they are both severed from the body. "Then are there three abiding in the same place, until the precious body is dissolved, and is decomposed and dies. But after a time the spirit and the soul are brought back by gentle warmth, and hold once more their former seat. Then you have the essence; no perfection is wanting, and the work is glorified by a joyful end."

PROov. XXIII.

"* My son, give me thy heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways."

D/AXSSTSTTEE

Szrach xliii: '" Who has seen Him that he should tell of Him? Who can exalt Him according to His greatness? .We see but the smallest of His. svorks: those that are much greater are hidden from us. For God has made all, and gives understandznge thereof to those that fear. Him."