Chapter XI.

A Further Description of the Process.
When the putrefaction of our seed has been thus completed, the fire may be in- creased till glorious colours appear, which the Sons of Art have called Cauda Pavonis, or the Peacock' s Fait, d'hese colours come and go, as heat is administered approach- ing to the third degree, till all is of a beautiful green, and as it ripens assumes a perfect whiteness, which is the White Tincture, transmuting the inferior metals into silver, and very powerful as a medicine. But 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 colour ; and then boldly gives a heat of the fourth degree, till it acquires a redness like blood taken from a sound person, which is a manifest sign of its thorough concoction and fitness for the uses intended.
THE philosopher's STONE. 11/