CHAPTER VIIL

Concerning the Spirit of Saturn,
The spirit of Saturn is concrete and formed from a dr)% dark, cold admixture of elements. Hence it results that, amongst all others, it has the least power of remaining and living in the fire. When, however, Sol and Luna have to be pro%^ed and purified, Saturn is added to them, and this has the effect of thoroughly purging them. Nevertheless, it is o^ that nature that it takes away their malleability'. t It has the same effect on men, w^ith great pains, as Jupiter and Mars. Being mixed with cold, it cannot act mildly4 It has the very greatest powers and virtues, whereby it cures fistulas, cancer, and similar ulcers, which come under its own degree and nature. It drives the same kind of diseases from man as it expels impurities from Luna. But if it does not go out altogether at the same time, it brings more harm than it does good. Consequently, whoever would use it must know what diseases it cures, against what it should be taken, and what effects Nature has assigned to it. If this be well considered it can do no harm.