Praxis Spagyrica Philosophica Ot Plain and Honest Directions on How to Make the Stone: & From "One" to "Ten"
144
Praxis Spagyrica Philosophica Ot Plain and Honest Directions on How to Make the Stone: & From "One" to "Ten"
144eBook
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Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781609258214 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Red Wheel/Weiser |
| Publication date: | 02/01/1998 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 144 |
| File size: | 6 MB |
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Praxis Spagyrica Philosophica and From One to Ten
By Frater Albertus
Samuel Weiser, Inc.
Copyright © 1998 Estate of Frater AlbertusAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-60925-821-4
CHAPTER 1
We are indebted to various sources for the publication of this little volume. The University of Heidelberg established the necessary contact to procure a rare original, privately printed copy, the only one presently known to exist. The Antiquariate Teuner, also of Heidelberg, Germany, obtained it for us and Mr. and Mrs. Alfred A. Lippold of Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A., handled the purchase. The Paracelsus Research Society, Salt Lake City, Utah, in translating and publishing the material into the English language, merely serves to make the valuable contents available to those interested.
The hermetic lore, when placed in its proper light, will reveal many laws known to our forebears which are presently unrecognized or considered to be recent discoveries. Judging by the very limited ways and means at the disposal of the early day scientists, one can not help but wonder how they arrived at their results.
At first, it was intended to bring only the original German text with the English translation, side by side, without any commentary. Careful perusal of the important contents made it apparent that some explanations are necessary and essential to a fuller comprehension of what the author of this treatise had intended.
Anyone versed in alchemical lore will notice at once that here is an important contribution to alchemistical literature. Brevity alone will let it rise above the voluminous sea of books that, in their overly concealed and symbolic language, cause an even greater confusion in the student's mind. Though it is obvious to those who have achieved a certain amount of alchemistical knowledge in their laboratories, here is additional proof that one speaks of practical and not just theoretical knowledge. Not knowing the author's name makes it even more interesting. He may be assumed to be one of those individuals who would rather remain anonymous and let the work speak for itself.
He reveals his understanding of nature and her laws when he says, "Anyone who understands something about the theory of metals will have to admit honestly that the transmutation of metals is a natural process and not against nature." In another place he speaks: "He, who sides with those who claim that alchemy is not founded upon nature because he does not understand himself or nature, is an idiot." This is rather strong language; but considering that it was written over two hundred and fifty years ago, at a time when even scientific postulations were still in their infancy, one can understand.
The early alchemists' contempt arises out of seeing their ideas being repeatedly rejected and after many futile efforts to make themselves heard. Similar outbursts were not uncommon with Paracelsus, Valentinus, and others. We not only find them confined to those early alchemists but recognize them even today among scientists, perhaps in somewhat more temporate wording. However, the gist is not unlike the former.
It will be remembered by the scientific student that it was only in 1921 that Sir Ernest Rutherford shook the scientific world with his announcement that he was able to bring about a transmutation of one element into another. Reflecting on previous statements on this same subject, by those early medieval scientists, one cannot help wondering from whence they obtained their knowledge. They had no technically advanced apparatus and instruments available to them, no spectroanalysis as we know it, no x-ray, no electric current to speak of; yet they told us what was contained in the various substances. In many instances so accurately, that even today some of their discoveries still wait to be recognized by modern scientific standards and instruments. All this can be seen from a careful perusal of the contents of this treatise.
Were it not for the fact that several of the alchemical products described in this book and others have been produced by contemporary alchemists, it could be brushed aside with glib remarks. It is recommended that the medicinal properties in these products deserve close attention from the scientific world here in the U.S.A. and abroad. The writer of these lines has demonstrated to himself and others the lawful manifestation of some of these alchemical laws. Under identical conditions and repeated tests identical results have been obtained. The mere theorem when mentioned to other scientists was not listened to but simply ignored. The word alchemy alone being sufficient cause to associate anything connected with it to the goldmaking and other charlantry advocated by mountebanks of preceding centuries.
Antimonial preparations, as produced by Paracelsus, Valentine, and others, have been and are presently established facts. Only their pharmacological and medicinal evaluation needs further establishment. This will not abrogate the fact that the antimonial preparations, free from poison, for instance, can be presently prepared.
The writer recently received a communication from a graduate of one of America's finest technical institutions, who had contacted the head thereof, concerning some of the present day rediscoveries of alchemical preparations to which he is a living witness. He was told that for over one hundred years scientists have been working with atoms and everybody knows that no oil (alchemical sulphur) can be extracted from metals. This would indicate that the substances freed in the writer's laboratory, under close observation by others, are the figments of their imagination. This is hardly acceptable when the tangible results meet the requirements of reliable spectographic analysis. It only proves that even today prejudice is just as prevailing as in former times.
As mentioned previously, not too long ago transmutation of one element into another was considered scientific hearsay, only now to be considered an established fact in this atomic age. How long this opinion will prevail among our top scientists that no oil or alchemical sulphur from metals can be obtained, despite the fact that it is presently accomplished, time alone will tell.
These considerations should justify a vindication of the works of those gallant men and women who, regardless of ridicule and persecution, carried on to blaze the way for future generations in the very fields where they are, to this day, still not considered to be competent contenders.
It is facts such as these, that have given us the incentive not to remain silent but to reestablish those who so valiantly worked under great odds and even persecution to see their works justified. As heir to this great understanding, this is the least we can do.
The added commentary is to be used in conjunction with the numbered page as it faces the text. Each alchemistical laborant follows his own way and deviates somewhat from established precepts; therefore, the reader should understand that some expressions may not convey the intended meaning. This is very important and should always be considered when studying alchemical literature. Symbols must be interpreted according to the subject matter. For example, alchemically speaking, the symbol [female] can mean Venus, copper, or other things; in astronomy it represents the planet Venus, while in mineralogy it represents copper and in botany it would have still another meaning. Mercury, [??] , is perhaps the most confusing symbol found in alchemy. Its application within the realms of mineralia, vegetabilia and animalia can be classified within its manifold ramifications into so many perplexing categories that anyone not sufficiently acquainted with alchemical terminology is apt to lose his way. It is therefore assumed that the reader has knowledge of the rudiments of the subject under discussion. The annotations and commentary are designed as an aid to those who attempt to follow the laboratory procedures as outlined by the anonymous author.
It is evident to the alchemical laborant that the author speaks with the authority of practical experience and that the various processes described are similar to those found throughout alchemical writings. The author, knowingly and intentionally, omits some of the basic and essential facts. At the outset he does not tell us what mineralia to use. The reader is left in the dark as regards the very substance to be worked upon. This alone should indicate that the author assumes that the rudiments are mastered because his intention is to describe, in detail, the process involved to let the matter in question come to the desired state of perfection.
Mercurius is understood to be quicksilver. This singular misinformation may become an obstacle of no little dimension. The author states that out of mercury "The" Mercury can be produced. Thus he lets us know that there are two kinds of mercury. If we take mercury (quicksilver) to produce "The" Mercury (Philosophical Mercury) we notice a difference in meaning of the one word or symbol. Assuming that the reader is familiar with the interchangeable terms, it will be noticed that the emphasis is placed on the procedure to be followed to arrive at the desired end. Since this is missing in most alchemical books, it will be the more welcome here. Most of these books tell us little, and that, in such a concealed language that even less is gleaned. As to the matter to be used from which to extract the Philosophical Mercury, considered contention has arisen by would-be-alchemists. Knowing the matter is one thing and how to procure it is another, but it is just that which will make all the difference. Spagyrists confirm that the Philosophical Mercury can be obtained from all the the minera since it is one of the three essentials out of which all matter consists, as our author also assures us. The difficulty arises when we are confronted with the fact that we must produce it.
To confuse matters, seemingly even more, he speaks of sulphur and alludes to different manifestations. At one time he will describe a solid substance, such as crude sulphur, only to be understood at another time to mean one of the three essentials—salt, mercury, and sulphur. In still another place he will refer to mercurial-sulphur, indicating it to be like a gaseous substance. One can get hopelessly entangled if no precaution is taken to distinguish between like terms. All materials are properly termed in their place but are only remotely similar as regards material manifestations.
These are the very obstacles that the strict scientist will abhor. To him, true meanings are concealed. Concealed means occult. Occult! This word alone is sufficient cause for the scientist to disparagingly discard the attempt to find out more. Yet, only through investigation and by removing undesirable and incoherent embellishments can we arrive at the proper conclusion. There is no other way to untangle this conglomeration of fact, fancy, and symbolism. This is where we must commence.
This treatise may be considered in the light of an alchemical outline similar to chemical laboratory texts. Its value will only be evident to one acquainted with the subject under consideration. To others, it may prove utterly meaningless. Familiarity with terminology as a whole is a prerequisite to understanding the contents. What follows is only for those who have attempted to procure alchemical manifestations.
FRONTISPIECE
The winged Mercury, descending from the opened heavens, is greeted by Aurora, friend of the muses, who explains "My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver" (Proverbs 8:19).
Two lions hold the keys to the Zodiac, the centre of all things. In the circle six planets surround the sun as indicated by their symbols. Around them are the twelve signs of the Zodiac, beginning with the sign Aries. Aries is not in the east, as is customary, but on the zenith followed by the other signs in a clockwise fashion. Under the left lion, holding the key, we read Claudo (that which is concealed) and on the right Aperio (that which is uncovered). Then we read at the bottom:
Description
of
The Secret of the Stone of the Wise
as
the prayed for and received wisdom which Solomon possessed, revealed to the Glory of God and described by one who saw in the dew the magnanimous God.
PRAXIS SPAGYRICA PHILOSOPHICA LAPIDIS PH1LOSOPHORUM
OR
PLAIN AND HONEST DIRECTIONS
how to make the Stone. The greatest secret of the ancient sages brought to light unto all sincere lovers of this highly philosophical mystery.
by
Anonymous
Leipzig
To be found by the late David Fleischer's Widow
Anno 1711
ART LOVING READER
I am placing before your eyes a rather curious and useful treatise, if you will read it diligently and with understanding it will kindle a great light for you. For you should know that the Almighty God, who is without beginning or end and whose wisdom is everlasting, and who by unfathomable deliberation created heaven and earth and all that is contained therein, whether visible or invisible and by whatever name, created it from nothing else but through the power that emanated from Him through one word only. It was decreed by the Divine Being and His Divine Wisdom in the eternal council that this word was to be FIAT.
Accordingly God brought forth nature by way of a natural union and birth, so it can work, sustain and reproduce itself. Through mutual assistance it can now bring forth everything decreed by a heavenly influence and impression upon it. It will show itself through material manifestation, substance and being, out of whose mixture arise the elements as water, air and earth. Within the three lies hidden the fourth element of fire. Through the coction of fire is brought about a soul, a spirit and a body. Through this union we will find them as mercury, sulphur, and salt. These three, when united, represent a perfect and entire body no matter under what form. Everything in the world is separated into three, namely: animalia, vegetabilia, and mineralia.
Under animalia are included all animals, men, fish, fowl, and everything pertaining to this kind which has flesh, blood, and breathes.
Vegetabilia includes all tress, roots, herbs, their seeds and fruits, and that which is derived therefrom.
Mineralia includes all metals, rocks, and all that pertains to it.
Everything that exists in the world is contained in those three parts.
The animal world has its own special seed. This seed is a spermatozoon, a phlegm, which generates flesh and blood. In it is found its own prima materia and first seed. It was brought about through its divine influence upon the natural elements.
The vegetable world also receives its seed from God according to quality, form, and attributes. This seed has the imprint of its creator, through a siderial and material influence, to make it grow and bring forth its own kind from the earth.
The mineral world likewise receives its seed first from God. Its origin is found in the starry heavens from whence its divine influence and siderial impressions became an airy-fluidic substance. In connection with the mercurial spirit and sulphuric soul added to the earthy salt, it became a perfect and complete body. Should either of them be made to perpetuate and to multiply, it would have to be reduced again to its first matter or seed, by which it can be made, through art and the help of fire, into a fixed medicine, from which can then be born the true Stone of Philosophers. This you should note most of all, that all minerals and metals have their origin in one substance. If you know it and watch for it, then you will find it necessary to break up the metals so you can find, by way of the elements, their first cause or root. If one is a lover of such wisdom it will be uppermost in his mind to find the golden magnet and to recognize it as one substance. Although it is visible to all people, and to the whole world, yet hardly one in a thousand will believe it.
But to you, dear reader, who hungers after our art, I will present for your enjoyment what in your gentle mind you will now receive.
TREATISE CONCERNING PHILOSOPHICAL TEACHINGS
The Stone of the Philosophers
I. ONOMOTOLOGIA.
I. Homonymia
All kinds of stones are found on this earth, but none of them will serve our purpose, when we compare them with the Philosophers' Stone before us.
II. Synonymia
This stone is called by many names, i.g., Azoth, Lapis Philosophorum, Tinctura, Leo Rubens (red Lion) etc. Neither will, for the time being, serve its purpose.
II. PRAGMATALOGIA
I. An sit?
Is it true that the Philosophers' Stone exists or is it only to be considered a fable, as some want it to be? Indeed, it has to be answered yes by a true philosopher. Anyone, who understands something about the theory of the metals, will have to admit honestly that the transmutation of metals is a natural process and not against nature.
II. Quid sit?
What really is the Philosophers' Stone? It is nothing else but a compound of the white eagle and the red lion, as produced by the artists. By it, common metals can be improved, and silver be elevated into gold. The poor can become rich and the sick be made healthy. This way, we will recognize the omnipotence of God.
III. Causarum inumeratio
I. Causa efficiens principal.
The principal and efficient cause is God and nature who manifest through the artist's hands.
II. Causa ministerialis.
The artist, philosopher or laborant, who, with the help of God and nature, brings it to a conclusion.
III. Causa materialis.
ex qua:
Sol vel Luna, Theophr. p. 119.
in qua:
The sulphur (vapor) of the metals is the spirit that tinges. circa quam:
is common Mercury, the mother and producer of all metals.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Praxis Spagyrica Philosophica and From One to Ten by Frater Albertus. Copyright © 1998 Estate of Frater Albertus. Excerpted by permission of Samuel Weiser, Inc..
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