CHAPTER VL

Concerning the Knowledge of the Perfect Tincture.
In the preceding chapter we have said how the matter itself is graduated. In this WQ will make clear by what means it may be recognised when it is perfect. Do this ; When the White Stone of Luna stands forth in its white- ness, separate a morsel from it with the forceps, and place it glowing over the fire on a plate of copper. If the Stone emits smoke it is not yet perfect, where- fore it must be left longer in decoction, until it comes to the grade of a perfect Stone, But if it emits no smoke, you may believe it to be perfect. In the
same way proceed with the Red Stone of Sol in its due gradation.
G2
84 The Hermetic and Alchemical Writings of Paracelsus.