Section 3

36
I'LATE xn.— THE FOURTH TREATISE, THTRDLV.
[lace fl. XV.]
Plate XV.— THE FOURTH TREATISE, FOURTHLY.
[_/ace pi. xiv.]
Plate XVT.— THE FOURTH TREATISE, FIFTHLY
\_fat:e fl. xvii.]
Plate XVII.— THE FOURTH TREATISE, SIXTHLY.
[Jace fl. xvi.]
Plate XVIII.— THE FOURTH TREATISE, EIGHTHLY.
[/ace p. 37.3
THE FOURTH TREATISE
Eighthly, Auctor de Trium Verborum, the author of The Three Words gives in his writings a peculiar method to govern the Heat or the Fire, saying : " When the Sun is in Aries, he indicates the First Heat, or Grade of the Firie, which is weak because the heat is under the Rule of the Water, but when the Sun is in Leo, then it indicates the Second Grade, which is hotter because the great coldness of the Water being under the Rule of the Air. In the Sign of Saggitarius is the Third Grade, this being not of a burning heat, and under the Rule or Order of Rest and Pause.
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THE FIFTH TREATISE : PART I.
THE FIFTH TREATISE
ON THE MANIFOLD OPERATIONS OF THE WHOLE
WORK
IN FOUR CHAPTERS
THE FIRST CHAPTER
DISSOLUTION is the First Operation which has to take place in the Art of Alchemy, for the order of Nature requires that the Corpus, Body, or Matter, be changed into Water which is the much spoken of Mercury. The Living Silver dissolves the adjoined pure Sulphur.
This Dissolution is nothing but a killing of the moist with the dry, in fact a Putrefaction, and consequently turns the Matter black.
38
Plate XIX.— THE FIFTH TREATISE, PART I, 1st CHAPTER.
[ferf f. 38.]
Plate XX.— THE FIFTH TREATISE, PART I, 2nd CHAPTER.
[Jane pi. XX i.]
Plate XXI.— THE FIFTH TREATISE, PART I, 3rd CHAPTER.
[face fl. XX. 3
THE FIFTH TREATISE: PART I.
THE SECOND CHAPTER
The next is Coagulation, which is turning the Water again into the Corpus or Matter, meaning thereby that the Sulphur, which before was dissolved by the Living Silver, absorbs the same and draws it into itself.
The Water that turned to Earth, which the Corpus has absorbed, necessarily shows other and manifold colours. For if the properties of an operating thing alter, so must the thing operated on alter.
Because in the Dissolution the Living Silver is active, but in the Coagulation it is passive, operated on.
Wherefore is this Art compared to the play of children, who when they play, turn undermost that which before was uppermost.
THE THIRD CHAPTER The Third is Sublimation, distilling the before-mentioned moisture of the earth, for if the water is reduced into the earth, it is evaporated into the lightness of the air, and rises above the earth, as an oblong cloudlet, like an egg, and this is the Spirit of the Fifth Essence, which is called the Tincture, Anima, Fermentum, or the Oil, and which is the very next matter to the Stone of the Philosophers.
39
THE FIFTH TREATISE: PART I.
For from the Sublimation remain ashes, which by virtue of their own Air, given to them by God, dissolve themselves by a moderate heat, after which earth of a fiery nature and property remains calcined at the bottom of the glass.
This being the proper philosophical sublimation, by means of which the perfect method is carried out. And this is why this Art is compared to Woman's Work, which consists in cooking and roasting until it is done.
THE FOURTH CHAPTER
The fourth Chapter sheweth the last or fourth thing belonging to this water which has been separated from the earth, be again joined to the earth. The one thing must be done with the other, if the Stone is to be made perfect.
The reason why all natural things are put together in a body is, that there may be a united composition.
In these last four Chapters is all contained wherewith the Philosophers have filled the whole world with innumer- able books.
40
Plate XXII.— THE FIFTH TREATISE, PART I, 4th CHAPTER.
{Jare p. 40.]
DESCRIPTION OF THE PICTURES
DESCRIPTION
OF
THE SPLENDOR SOLIS PICTURES
THE FIRST PICTURE
TWO men are approaching an arched doorway at the left side of the picture. Leaving a Landscape Behind Them, to come into the apartment of the building — in which are to be seen two beautifully executed Golden Suns — One of the men is a little in ad- vance of and is addressing the other. He is clad in a red robe and blue Stockings simply. The other i'i more luxuriously dressed, but in black and with a sword or staff at his right side. The floor below the archway is tiled, or tesselated, the ground has a green sward. From this archway forward in the picture to the foreground where there are three flat stone-steps, upon which rests a sky-blue shield (heraldic). On this shield is painted the lowest Golden Sun, upon which is superimposed a black helmet or casque surmounted by a flowing, from above, blue drapery, studded with golden stars. This lower Sun and shield lies aslant, about 45 degrees. The mouth is rounded and is so painted as to resemble a human face, each eye has the same peculiarity ; thus there are
41
THE FIRST ^ PICTURE
Three Faces shewn on the One. The eyes themselves seem as if suffused with tears, the mouth as if the tongue was slightly protruding and parched, the face blotched or mottled as from Smallpox, or impure living. The rays at the circumference are in groups and radiate curvedly.
thus :
The upper Sun stands higher up in the
air and is radiant, but thoughtful and serious.
The golden halo around it alternately straight
and wavy
as :
the lowest one of all being longer than the
others and pointing in the centre of three
dark moon-like crescents
as :
each one below being larger than the
other. The picture is surmounted by
the motto :
Arma Artis
in red and embellished with a golden margin, on whi one giving a fish to a heron, while the other is playing upon a guitar, — an owl, a hoopoe, and other birds, with fruits and flowers complete the picture.
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THE SECOND AND THIRD PICTURES
THE SECOND PICTURE A man clothed in red robe, with a red cap and a purple outer cloak. In his left hand he holds a long-necked flagk, cucurbit, or glass retort, which is one-third filled with a yellowioh transparent fluid, partly luminous, and to which he is pointing with his right finger thoughtfully, whilst walking upon the foreground of a beautiful lansdcape. The margin shows a golden ground, upon which is painted Deer, Peacock, Bee, Butterfly, Birds, Red Currants, and Flowers. From the neck of the cucurbit flows a black ribbon upon which is printed in gold letters :
" Eamus Quesitum Quatuor Elementorum Naturas "
THE THIRD PICTURE A Knight in dark armour ornamented with Gold, with a drawn sword in his right hand, and in his left he holds a red banner or shield, on which is inscribed in gold letters : " Ex DuABUs Aqui Unam Facite, Qui Quaeritis Sole ET Luna Facere et Date Bibere Inimico Vino. Et ViDEBiTis Cum Mortuum. Deinde de Aqua Terra Facite, et Lapidem Multiplicastis "
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THE FOURTH PICTURE He stands upon two fountains, with a foot on each. That to the right, is surmounted by a little nude figure of a boy from which runs a black fluid and overflows by a joining conduit into the left fountain which is also surmounted by a little nude figure of a girl, but from this one runs a golden liquid into the receptacle below, which transmutes by its blending the black stream all into golden water. This fountain overflows and forms a large golden lake, which is seen stretching away in the distance, and around which is seen a village and beautiful landscape, &c.
THE FOURTH PICTURE
Represents on right side a King in red and gold robes, with golden crown on head and standing upon a blazing fire, holding a sceptre in his hand with a scroll upon which is : " CoAGULA Masculinum " in golden letters. He is talking to a Queen robed in blue with red lining to dress, holding a blue scroll with " Lac virginis " inscribed in gold letters. She stands upon a dark full Moon with both feet, over her head in the air is a faint silvery Sun, which has its eyes directed towards the King enquiringly and hopefully. Above his head is a golden red Sun which has its eyes directed to- wards her sorrowfully.
44
THE FIFTH AND SIXTH PICTURES
A City and landscape lies behind. Around margin are birds and flowers on Gold. On top of picture is the motto : " Particularia." At the bottom is inscribed : " Via Universalis, Particularibus Inclusis."
THE FIFTH PICTURE Represents two men Quarrying at a rock and digging for Gold. A bronzed crescent Moon lies floating in the water on the foreground. Underneath is the word : " Esther,", and below that is the interior of the Palace of King Ahasueros, who is seated on a throne, handing his Sceptre to the Queen. On the top of the picture are two nude figures of children. One holding a bird in his hand, the other at the comer opposite is feeding another bird.
THE SIXTH PICTURE Contains a Tree with Golden branches and fruit, having a golden crown encircling the root. Upon a ladder with Seven Rounds and leaning against the tree ; stands a man, on the sixth and seventh rounds dressed in black, with golden leggings or boots, holding a branch out to a man below, dressed in a red robe, which is enveloped by a whitish purple robe. He has given previously a similar branch to another
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THE SIXTH PICTURE man dressed in a whitish purple robe enveloped in a red robe. Underneath the picture is an open bath in which four women are bathing, a golden fountain pours forth a jet of water into the bath, two ladies are standing near the bath, one is dressed in yellow and the other in red, each holds out some black roundish thing like a hat or dish. Through the door- way to the right are to be seen two men, one dressed in blue and the other in purple, and to the left of the picture are seen two men in green. On a gallery above and behind, is a man looking over, dressed in blue, while opposite is a King in red, with attendants, one in green, another in black, also looking down towards the bath. The bathers have each two strings of gold beads (charms) round their necks. Upon the tree above is perched a large black bird with a white head, pecking at the fruit, while thirteen varied coloured birds are in the act of flying away to the air. Ap humble looking landscape with a simple cottage in the mid-distance. Mountains in the background and golden branches and flowers springing up out of the ground complete the picture.
46
THE SEVENTH PICTURE
THE SEVENTH PICTURE Represents a Queen, or young King, draped in Ermine and Gold enbroidered robe, loose and flowing, holding in right hand a sceptre surmounted by seven Golden Stars, and in left a golden ball. In the middle distance a King is seen swimming or drowning in the sea, and reaching his arms out as if for help to save his life. A Golden Sun shines overhead, throwing its rays downwards towards the Queen. To the Sun's left is a luminous Star surrounded by a golden halo, which is also directing its rays towards the Queen, or young King. The margin is in gold with Butterfly, Strawberries, birds and flowers. At base are two small EntagUos like bluish-grey pictures, that to the left repre- sents a man naked and striking with a bludgeon a woman who is sitting on the ground alongside of a Satyr, both of these are holding up their arms to ward off the blow: A tree grows by their side. That to the right is very similar, only there is a fourth male figure, who is standing up, and tries to stay the man with the bludgeon from striking the other two. The landscape with hill, and walk on fore- ground and distant view is very beautiful. Golden tipped flowers peer above the foliage, and the whole scene is one would not feel desirous of altering or attempting to improve
upon.
47
THE EIGHTH PICTURE
THE EIGHTH PICTURE Depicts a Queen with angels' wings — and most gorgeously dressed. She has a golden crown and neck ornaments, with golden chains, yellow sleeves and flowing. Skirt of dress ornamented with a flowing green foliage pattern and red and blue flowers. From her left shoulder hangs a blue drapery with gold edges, her slippers are red and gold. In her hand she holds a crimson robe edged with gold, which she is holding out to a naked black man who is standing to the knees in a black mud pool. His left arm is wnite and slightly soiled. His right arm, neck, and head is blood red. He holds his right hand over his right thigh towards and as if to cover his nakedness. He stands with right side towards us and on the profile is seen a circular transparent glass globe, just covering head all but profile, through this globe are to be seen on the organ of Self-esteem, the right cheek bone, and over the right eye, three luminous spots, in each of which is seen a small red cross. The Queen seems to be encouraging and sympathysing with him. A landscape with lake is seen in the distance. Village, roadway with a few distant people walking and boat sailing on lake, with islands in extreme distance.
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THE NINTH PICTURE
There is a silver star over the Queen's Crown. Two Deer, two monkeys and parrot on base, and flowers upon Gold on margin complete the picture.
THE NINTH PICTURE Standing on the foreground of a magnificent Claude- like picture is an exquisitely formed figure of a man dressed in black with golden edging and crpss button bars of red and gold in front. A red and gold waistband with a fringe 'of golden tassels or ornaments. He has two heads and necks. One a man's with sandy hair and blue eyes, without beard or moustache, the other a beautiful female face with blue eyes and fair or reddish hair. A golden emanation or halo radiates from the man's head while a silvery radiation proceeds from the female. His face is to the left of the picture but to her right and his profile overlaps the back part of her head just as far as the edge of the right eye, so that both faces are seen pretty fully. He has attached to the right shoulder a crimson wing, and she has a faint purple and white wing. In the left hand he holds a Golden Egg, which both are intent upon, and in his right hand he holds a Circular Shield, the edge of which is encircled with gold and orange, an inner circle next of a grayish motled or marbled appear- ance, then an inner circle, but narrower, of dark green and
49
THE TENTH PICTURE
blue ring inside this, in the centre of which is a tiny landscape, like one seen through a double concave glass in a tube. Birds, Flowers, and Grapes upon a golden ground complete this picture.
THE TENTH PICTURE
Represents a ferocious villainous man with wild dishevelled black hair, clothed in red with an outer garment of white shaded with pale purple and having a drawn sword in his right hand. In his left he holds the golden head of a fair beautiful skinned corpse of a man which lies at his feet freshly mutilated. The arms and legs are separated fresh and clean, showing the clear red flesh freshly cut. This scene is represented in the open grounds attached to a palace. A river runs past on which are plying gondolas. Castles and fine mansions are seen in the distance, as when Venice was in her glory, a city of palaces. Several people are strolling and lingering on the grounds, within view, but these are oblivious to the scene here depicted. Some golden tips are to be seen on the green foliage — upon which this ghastly scene is represented.
At the base underneath are seen two small golden pictures, one on the left represents a King driving four river horses,
50
THE ELEVENTH PICTURE behind which is a female figure in a boat, holding two reins which are attached to the horses, and thus is the boat drawn along.
The picture to the right represents a female in a boat holding a three-pronged fork, a trident, in her right hand (without a handle), with reins in the left hand, guiding three river horses. A Satyr and two females are going on before ; and two more are coming up behind, one of the latter sits on the back of a Merman. Birds and Flowers on a Gold ground complete the picture.
THE ELEVENTH PICTURE In a court yard of a magnificent palace and under a corridor is a circular furnace on which is an iron vessel or copper boiler filled with water, and in which is a naked man with red skin, breast high. On his head stands a dove, with outspread white wings, blue shaded. A man is blowing at the furnace with a pair of bellows very intently and anxiously. His inner garment is red, his nether garment blue, his coat black and edged with blue, slippers black, apron white, hair longish and careless. The whole figure betrays the workman. Two figures are observed on a distant raised corridor. One a female dressed in red and carrying a flask in her hand ; the other a man, dressed in pale purple and looking towards the man in the hot bath. Alongside of the workman is a