On Plant Solution
Aphorism I
The fixed substance which is to be dissolved is hidden in the cinders/ashes, while the volatile which makes up the solution is hidden in the water.
II
The generative virtue is hidden in the fixed substance, whose nourishment is the volatile substance.
III
The volatile spirit that makes the solution of the fixed for its abundance, at the same time separates the heterogeneities.
IV
Each mixed contains in itself three substances: the body, the soul and the spirit.
V
Spirit, or volatile substance, receives its origin from the first constitutive nature of all mixtures. This spirit is of three kinds of genus for a different domination of elements in each of the three realms.
VI
The volatile spirit is the thinnest part of the fixed salt and resides in the burning water.
VII
The water we call fiery or burning is indeed such and catches fire if it belongs to the vegetable or animal kingdom, but not if it belongs to the mineral kingdom, or, at least, these waters only rarely catch fire, although they are called “fiery water”, for they are similar to the others in the composition of their substance.
VIII
The burning water of tin and lead catches fire, but not those of other metals.
IX
The real chemical solution is made with only the spirit of the salt dissolved in the water, and not otherwise.
X
The fixed salt is the cause of the coagulation and the volatile is the cause of the solution. Because the heat of the fixed salt is accompanied by dryness, and that of the volatile is humid.
XI
Nothing in the world can make the solution as much as this “something” does not contain the spirit of salt, dissolved by the humidity or the volatile spirit.
XII
The dew, the spirit of wine, strong waters and vinegar make solutions because they contain the volatile spirit of salt, which is the spirit of the dissolved fixed salt.
XIII
The spirit of the dissolved salt is endowed with a celestial dissolving power because it is subtle and of the same substance as the fixed salt of each body.
XIV
The volatile spirit is found not only in hot liqueurs, but also in cold ones, such as vinegar, verjus, lemon juice, etc.
XV
In hot liqueurs, the volatile spirit can catch fire because it consists of the aerial and igneous parts of the salt.
XVI
In cold liqueurs, it cannot catch fire because it consists of the terrestrial and watery part of the salt.
XVII
The plant solution is made with the union of the fixed and the volatile and with the continuation of a very slow external heat.