What is Nature, and how should those who study Her be?

Nature is the spirit which is made manifest in all phenomena, nothing exists outside of Nature.
Nature is one, true, consistent, patient and just. Such too should be the disposition of all those who
study Her.
What are the planes of existence in Nature?
Nature consists of various planes of existence. Each plane of existence is composed of a different
kind of matter, energy, time, space, etc. he !aws governing each plane are different. Each plane
also represents a state of mind. Higher the plane, the greater is the level of consciousness of the
beings in that plane, and the more beautiful and wondrous that plane is. Every material body that we
see is formed of a series of subtle bodies. Each subtle body corresponds to a subtle plane of
existence, in a hierarchy or great chain of being that culminates in its physical form in the most
superficial plane, perceptible to the senses. "t very high planes all things are life forms, but when
they are pushed into our plane they are encased by a grosser form. Some have gross forms that
allow their life and intelligence to manifest, while some don#t. Nevertheless, all material things have
life and intelligence, including animals, plants, metals, rocks, rivers and mountains.
What is the Archeus of Nature?
"rcheus is Her noble servant, forming the link between the various planes of existence, and
coordinating the exchange of substances between different realms.
What is Chaos?
$n a very high and subtle plane, there exist four kinds of substances% &ire, 'ater, Earth and "ir. "s
these substances interact and precipitate downward through the various planes, they keep forming
different substances in different lower planes. 'e say that (haos is an entirely spherical entity, fully
extended throughout four circular spheres set within each other. Now the sphere of &ire is above the
sphere of "ir which it encloses, and the sphere of "ir encloses the sphere of 'ater below it, and the
sphere of 'ater encloses the sphere of Earth, which we understand to be the center. 'hat we call a
sphere is simply the place that each element prefers for itself.
What is the function of the four elements?
he elementary earth is like a sponge, and the receptacle of all other elements. 'hatsoever is
committed to it putrefies in it through the action of motive heat, and is multiplied by the separation
of the pure from the impure. Heavy substances are hidden in it. !ight substances are driven by heat
to its surface. $t is the nurse and womb of all seed and commixtion) and these seeds and compounds
it faithfully preserves and fosters till the season of maturity. $t is cold and dry, but its dryness is
tempered with water) outwardly it is visible and fixed) inwardly it is invisible and volatile. $n its
present state it consists of a pure and an impure element. he first is used by water for producing
natural forms) the latter remains where it is. $t is also the storehouse of all treasures, and in its centre
is the *ehennal fire, conserving the machine of the world, and this by the expression of water,
which it converts into air. his fire is produced by perpetual motion, and the influences of the Stars)
it is aided by the Solar heat, which is tempered by the atmosphere, and the two together mature the
growth of all things. &or this reason the element of earth has fire intrinsically, and the earth is
purified by this inward fire, as every element is purified by that which is in it. he inmost part, or
centre of the earth, is then the highest purity mixed with fire, in which there is ceaseless motion, and
it is an empty space, into which the other elements project their products.
'ater is an element of great specific gravity, full of unctuous moisture. +utwardly it is volatile
inwardly it is fixed, cold, and humid $t is tempered by air, and is the sperm of the world, in which
the seed of all things is conserved. Earth is the receptacle of sperm, water the receptacle of seed.
'hatever the air, under the influence of fire, distils into the water, is imparted by the water to the
earth. 'ater is capable of commixtion with all things, by means of its volatile surface) it purifies
and dissolves earth) air is congealed in it, and thus intimately united to it.
$n the centre of the earth there is a central sun, of which the heat pervades the whole earth to its
surface by reason of the movement thereof, or by the motion of the firmament thereof. his heat
changes the water of the earth into air ,or vapour-, which being much more subtle than water, is
violently driven upward through the pores of the earth. .ut when it reaches the colder atmosphere it
is once more condensed into water and in some places we do indeed see this water or condensed, air
driven highly up into the air by the force of the central fire% just as a kettle of water when exposed to
gentle heat sends upward a gentle stream of vapour and air, while the steam thickens and the
upward movement becomes more intense when the fire is kindled into a bla/e. .y this action of the
0central sun0 the elements are distributed over the earth and each finds the place where in can grow.
his upward current of air is not always noticeable because in many places there is not enough
water to make it perceptible% an empty kettle gives out no steam $ say, then, that fire or heat is the
cause of the motion of the air, and the life of all things) and the earth is their nurse, or receptacle. $f
our earth and air were not cooled by water, the earth would be parched up.
he three 1rinciples of things are produced out of the four elements in the following manner%
Nature ordained from the very beginning, that the four elements should incessantly act on one
another, so, in obedience to her behest, fire began to act on air, and produced Sulphur) air acted on
water and produced 2ercury) water, by its action on earth, produced Salt. Earth, alone, having
nothing to act upon, did not produce anything, but became the nurse, or womb, of these three
1rinciples.
How does Nature operate?
&or any natural thing to grow or increase, Seed is a re3uisite. Nature essentially operates on this
Seed, and without this Seed She cannot be made manifest. Nature without Seed is just like a
goldsmith without gold. he Seed is composed of the four elements. he centre of Earth is a void
place, where nothing is at rest, and where the four elements project their 3ualities. he amount of
Seed re3uired for the seminal substance is absorbed over there, while the rest is thrown out in the
form of stones and other rubbish.
What is the 'First Matter' of metals?
he #&irst 2atter# of metals is twofold. he first and the pricipal substance is a moist vapor called
2ercury, produced by the action of elemental "ir on 'ater. he second substance is the dry heat of
the earth, called Sulphur. Sulphur is produced by the action of elemental &ire on "ir. "ll metals
have a seed by which they are increased. However, this 2ercury is not the Seed itself. $t is merely
the sperm in which the Seed, invisible to naked eyes, floats.
How are the terrestrial substances produced?
"fter the four elements have projected their power and virtues to the centre of the earth, they are, in
the hands of the "rcheus of Nature, distilled and sublimed by the heat of perpetual motion towards
the surface of the earth. &or the earth is porous, and the air by distillation through the pores of the
earth is resolved into a watery substance out of which all things are generated. "ll things are
produced of this vapour which the elements distil into the centre of the earth by a continual motion,
and as soon as the "rcheus receives it, his wisdom sublimes it through the pores, and distributes it
to each place, producing different things according to the diverse places in which it is deposited.
How are the arious metals formed?
he vapour which is sublimed by heat from the centre of the earth, passes either through cold or
warm places. $f the place be warm and pure, and contain adhering to it a certain fatness of sulphur,
the vapour joins itself to its fatness, and sublimes it together with itself. $f in the course of its further
sublimation this unctuous vapour reaches other places where the earth has already been subtili/ed,
purified, and rendered moist by previous ascending vapours, it fills the pores of this earth, and with
it becomes gold. .ut if this unctuous moisture be carried to impure and cold places, it becomes
lead) if the earth be pure but mingled with impure sulphur, it becomes copper. &or the purer the
place is, the more beautiful and perfect will the metal be.
Why are precious metals sometimes found now where none existed a thousand years a!o?
'e must note that the vapour is constantly ascending, and in its ascent from the earth#s centre to its
superficies, it purifies the places through which it passes. Hence precious metals are found now
where none existed a thousand years ago, for this vapour, by its continual progress, ever subtili/es
the crude and impure. his is the circulation and reiteration of Nature. "ll places are being more
and more purified% and the purer they become the nobler are their products.
What role does this apor play in brin!in! forth !rass, flowers, etc?
$n the winter this unctuous vapor is congealed by the frost. "t the return of spring it is set free, and
is the 2agnesia which attracts to itself the kindred 2ercury of the air, and gives life to all things
through the rays of the Sun, the 2oon and the Stars, thus bringing forth grass, flowers, and the like,
for Nature is never idle even during a single moment.
How are the stones !enerated?
he substance of stones is the same as that of all other things) and their 3uality is determined by the
purity of the places in which they arise when the four elements distil their vapour to the centre of
the earth. he "rcheus of Nature expels and sublimes the vapor in such a manner that it carries with
it in its passage through the pores of the earth, all the impurities of these places up to the surface,
where they are congealed by the air. "ll that pure air engenders is congealed by crude air, their
ingression being mutual, so that they join one with another. hus rocks and stones are gradually
built up and generated.
Why are metals scarcely eer found in the plains, but nearly always in the bowels of roc"y
hills?
he larger the pores of the earth, the greater is the 3uantity of impurities carried upward. hus, the
earth is most completely purified under those places where there is a great accumulation of stones
or rocks at the surface, and in this manner the procreation of metals becomes easier in these places.
his explains the fact that metals are scarcely ever found in plains, but nearly always in the bowels
of rocky hills.
How is the rich clay, which is used by the potters, formed?
he plains are often moist with water which attracts to itself the rising vapour, and with it is
digested by the rays of the Sun into the rich clay which potters use. $n places where the soil is gross,
and the vapour contains neither unctuousness nor sulphur, it produces herbs and grass in the
meadows.
How are the precious stones !enerated?
he precious stones, such as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, chrysopras, onyx, and carbuncle, are
all generated in the same manner as ordinary stones. 'hen the natural vapour is sublimed by itself
without sulphur or the unctuosity of which we have spoken and reaches a place where there is pure
salt water ,i.e., in very cold places, where our sulphur cannot exist, for could it exist, this effect
would be hindered-, diamonds are formed. *ems are in like manner formed of this moist vapor
when it meets with pure salt water, with which it is fixed in a cold place. 'hen this moist vapor is
sublimed, very slowly, through a fine earth, not partaking of a sulphureous unctuously, pebbles are
formed) for the sperm of these beautiful, variegated stones, along with those of marbles, alabasters,
etc., separates this depurated vapor, both for their first formation and continual growth.
How are colors imparted to these stones?
(olours are imparted to precious stones in this way. 'hen the unctuous sulphur is congealed by the
perpetual motion, the spirit of the water digests it in passing and purifies it by the water of the salt,
until it assumes a red or white colour. his colour is volatili/ed by so many repeated distillations,
and at length is borne upward with the purifying vapour, which by its aid is able to enter imperfect
bodies, and thus to pervade them with colour) the colour is united to the partly congealed water and
fills all its pores so that the two are absolutely one.
How is the #eed increased?
he nature of this seed which is produced out of the four elements, is threefold% it is either 2ineral,
or 4egetable, or "nimal. Seed in itself produces no fruit, if it be not placed by Nature or "rt in its
own proper womb. hough seed in itself is the most glorious of all created things, yet the womb is
its life, which causes the putrefaction of the enclosing grain or sperm, brings about the congelation
of the vital atom, nourishing and stimulating its growth by the warmth of its own body. "ll this is
constantly and regularly being enacted ,by months, years, and seasons- in the above said three
natural kingdoms. he process can be hastened artificially in the vegetable and mineral, but not in
the animal world. $n the mineral kingdom, "rt can do something which Nature is unable to perform,
by removing the crude air which stops up the outward pores of minerals, not in the bowels of the
earth but in the circumference. he elements vie in projecting their seed into the centre of the earth
in order that it may there be digested. he centre, by a caloric movement, emits it into the womb) of
these wombs there are an untold number 55 as many as there are places, and one place always purer
than another. 6now that a pure womb will bring forth a pure form of its own species. &or instance,
as among animals there are wombs of women, cows, mares, bitches, so in the mineral world there
are metals, stones, and salts.
What essentially is the $hilosopher's #tone?
he 1hilosophers Stone or incture is nothing other than gold digested to the highest degree.
(ommon gold resembles a plant without seed) but when such a plant is matured, it produces seed5
and so, when gold is ripened, it produces its seed, or the incture. $f any one asks why gold and
other metals do not commonly produce seed $ answer because the crudity of the ore, which has not
sufficient heat, prevents it from being matured. $n some places pure gold is found which Nature has
been striving to mature, but which has not attained to ripeness on account of the crudity of the air.
"n analogous case is that of the orange tree, which bears no fruit in northern latitudes, because it
has not sufficient warmth, while in warmer countries it ripens the most delicious fruit, and a like
result it is possible to produce in colder countries, by means of artificial heat. he same thing
happens with metallic natures, and so gold may be made to produce seed, by a wise and judicious
"rtist who knows how to assist Nature.
Where may we find the #eed of metals?
$t is contained in the ores of metals, as wheat is contained in the grain. he ores of metals are our
&irst 2atter, or sperm, wherein the seed is contained, and the key of this art consists in a right
dissolution of the ores into a water, which the philosophers call their mercury, or water of life, and
an earthy substance, which they have denominated their sulphur. he first is called their woman,
wife, !una, and other names, signifying that it is the feminine 3uality in their seed) and the other
they have designated their man, husband, Sol, etc., to point out its masculine 3uality.
How do we extract the Mercury from the ores?
he mercury is attainable from all, but it is easier to be extracted from the ore of lead. !et the artist,
by fire and manual operation, separate the impure 3ualities from his subject, pounding, washing,
and calcining, till no more blackness is communicated to his menstruum, for which pure rain water
is sufficient. $t will be seen on every repetition of this process, that what fouls the water is
extraneous and the ore yet exists in its individual metallic nature, except it is fluxed by a too intense
heat, in which case it is no longer fit for our purpose) therefore fresh ore is to be used. he matter
being thus prepared, its central fire will be awakened if it is treated properly, according to the
process for extracting 3uicksilver from its ores, by keeping it in a close heat, which is continued
without admission of the crude air, till the radical moisture is elevated in the form of a vapor, and
again condensed into a metallic water, analogous to 3uicksilver. his is the true mercury of the
1hilosophers, and fit for all their operations in the Hermetic "rt. Next, we proceed to the
purification of our Sulphur and 2ercury.
How do we obtain the corrected #ulphur%or the &arth'?
he 1utrefaction of our subject being thus completed, it exists under two forms) the moisture which
was extracted, and the residuum, being our 1hilosophical Earth,or the Sulphur-. he water contains
its seminal virtue, and the earth is a proper receptacle, wherein it may fructify. !et the water, then,
be separated and kept for use) calcine the earth, for an impurity adheres to it which can only be
taken away by fire, and that, too, of the strongest degree) for here there is no danger of destroying
the seminal 3uality, and our earth must be highly purified before it can ripen the seed.
How do we correct the Mercury?
!et, therefore, the earthy part be well calcined, and return the mercury on the calcined earth)
afterwards draw it off by distillation) then calcine, cohere, and distill, repeating the process till the
mercury is well corrected by the sulphur, and the sulphur is purified to a whiteness, and goes on to
red, a sign of its complete purification, where you have the 1hilosophical 2ale and &emale ready
for conjunction.
How is the union of the two carried out?
he purified earth must now be reduced by manual operation to an impalpable fineness, and then its
corrected mercury must be added, incorporating both together till the earth will imbibe no more.
his operation will re3uire time, with some degree of the artist#s patience) for however the humidity
may seem disproportionate, on letting it rest awhile, a dryness on the surface of your matter will
show that it is capable of imbibing more, so that the operation is to be repeated till it is fully
saturated.
What are the si!ns of saturation?
he saturation may be known from its bearing the air without any remarkable change of surface
from dry to humid. his is farther confirmed if a small portion be spread upon a thin plate if iron,
heated till it flows gently like wax, casting forth the moisture with heat and again absorbing it when
cold, so as to return to the former consistence. However, if a clamminess ensures it is a sign you
have exceeded in the 3uantity of humidity, the humidity must be extracted by distilling again and
repeating the process till it is right. 7our sulphur and mercury being thus united, put them into a
glass vial in such a 3uantity as to take up one5third of its contents, leaving two5thirds, including the
neck, for the circulation of your matter.
What sort of essel should be employed?
+ur subject must now be enclosed in a small glass vial, made strong enough to bear a due heat,
which is to be raised gradually to the highest degree% the best form for this vessel being that of an
oil flask, with a long neck) but these are much too thin in substance for this operation. $n such a
vessel the mixture is to be sealed hermetically,air5tight-.
How is the circulation carried out?
Secure the neck of your vial with a temporary luting at the first, and give a gentle heat, observing
whether it sublimes and fixes alternately. $f it easily sublimes and shows a disposition, at intervals,
to subside at the bottom of the vessel, all is well conducted hitherto) for the moisture will first be
predominant, which the sulphur can only perfectly absorb as the heat is increased for the perfect
ripening of our 1aradisiacal &ruit. herefore, if it manifests a too early disposition for fixing, add
more of the corrected mercury till !una rises resplendent in her season) she will give place to the
Sun in his turn. his would be the language of an adept on this occasion, only suggesting that the
female 3uality in our prepared seed is first active, while the male is passive, and that it is afterwards
passive while the male is active, such being the case in all vegetation) for every germ which is the
first rudiments of a herb or tree, is predominant in moisture, and then only becomes fixed when it is
fully concocted in the seed. he artist having done his part hitherto, must seal up his glass
hermetically, an operation which every maker of barometers knows how to perform. he glass is
then to be put into a furnace with a proper nest contrived for its reception, so as to give a continual
heat from the first to the fourth degree, and to afford the artist an opportunity, from time to time, of
inspecting every change which his matter assumes during the process, without danger of damping
the heat and putting a stop to its perfect circulation. " heat of the first degree is sufficient at the first,
for some months.
+ur vessel being warily heated at the first for fear of its cracking, an ebullition of the contained
matter is brought on, so that the moisture is alternately circulated in white fumes above, and
condensed below, which may continue for a month or two, nay longer, increasing the heat gradually
to another degree, as your matter discovers a disposition for fixing, by the vapor continuing at
longer intervals condensed, and rising in a lesser 3uantity, of an ash color, or other dark shades,
which it will assume as a medium to perfect blackness, the first desirable stage in our harvest.
+ther colors may be exhibited in this part of the work without danger, if they pass transiently) but if
a faint redness, like that of the corn poppy, continues, the matter is in danger of vitrifying, either
from an impatient urging of the fire, or the moisture not being sufficiently predominant. "n
ingenious artist can remedy this by opening his vessel and adding more of the corrected mercury,
sealing it up as before) but a novice would do much better to prevent it by governing his fire
according to the appearances of his matter, with judgment and patience, increasing it if the moisture
manifests its predominancy too long, and slacking if the dry prevails, till such time as the vapors
become dark) and after they have continued for some time at rest, a pellicle or film on the matter
shows its disposition for fixing, retaining the vapor captive for some time, till it breaks through at
different places on its surface ,much like the bituminous substance of coal in a soldering fire-, with
darker clouds, but 3uickly dissipated, and growing less in 3uantity, till the whole substance
resembles molten pitch, or the aforesaid bituminous substance, bubbling less and less, resting in one
entire black substance at the bottom of your glass. his is called the blackness of black, the head of
the crow, etc., and is esteemed a desirable stage in our philosophical generation, being the perfect
putrefaction of our seed.
What shall be the next step?
'hen the putrefaction of our seed has been thus completed, the fire may be increased till glorious
colors appear, which the Sons of "rt have called (auda 1avonis, or the 1eacock#s ail. hese colors
come and go, as heat is administered approaching to the third degree, till all is of a beautiful green,
and as it ripens assumes a perfect whiteness, which is the 'hite incture, transmuting the inferior
metals into silver, and very powerful as a medicine. .ut as the artist well knows it is capable of a
higher concoction, he goes on increasing his fire till it assumes a yellow, then an orange or citron
color) and then boldly gives a heat of the fourth degree, till it ac3uires a redness like blood taken
from a sound person, which is a manifest sign of its thorough concoction and fitness for the uses
intended.
Having thus completed the operation, let the vessel cool, and on opening it you will perceive your
matter to be fixed into a ponderous mass, thoroughly of a scarlet color, which is easily reducible to
powder by scraping, or otherwise, and in being heated in the fire flows like wax, without smoking,
flaming, or loss of substance, returning when cold to its former fixity, heavier than gold, bulk for
bulk, yet easy to be dissolved in any li3uid, in which a few grains being taken its operation most
wonderfully pervades the human body, to the extirpation of all disorders, prolonging life by its use
to its utmost period) and hence it has obtained the appellation of 01anacea,0 or a 8niversal 9emedy.
How is transmutation carried out?
'hen the artist would transmute any metal 555 for instance, lead 555 let a 3uantity be melted in a
clean crucible, to which let a few grains of gold in filings be cast) and when the whole is melted, let
him have in readiness a little of the powder, which will easily scrape off from his 0stone,0 the
3uantity inconsiderable, and cast it on the metal while in fusion.
$mmediately there will arise a thick fume, which carries off with it the impurities contained in the
lead, with a crackling noise, and leaves the substance of the lead transmuted into most pure gold,
without any kind of sophistication) the small 3uantity of gold added, previous to projection, serves
only as a medium to facilitate the transmutation, and the 3uantity of your tincture is best ascertained
by experience, as its virtue in proportioned to the number of circulations you have given after the
first has been completed.
How may the irtue of our #tone increased?
'hen you have finished the stone, dissolve it in our mercury again, wherein you have previously
dissolved a few grains of pure gold. his operation is done without trouble, both substances readily
li3uefying. 1ut it into your vessel, as before, and go through the process. here is no danger in the
management, but breaking your vessel) and every time it is thus treated its virtues are increased, in a
ratio of ten to one hundred, a thousand, ten thousand, etc., both in medicinal and transmuting
3ualities.