former Chapters declared vnto us) more then perfect by our artificiall labour. And if we know not the maner of working, what is the cauſe that we do not ſee howe nature (which of long time hath perfected mettals) doth continually work? Doo wee not ſee, that in the Mynes through the continuall heate that is in the mountaines thereof, the groſneſſe of water is ſo decocted & thickned, that in continuance of time it becommeth Argent-uiue? And that of the fatneſſe of the earth through the ſame heate and decoction, Sulphur is engendred? And that through the ſame heate without intermiſsion continued in thē, all mettals are ingendred of them according to their puritie and impuritie? and that nature doth by decoction alone pefect or make al mettals, as well perfect as imperfect? O extreame madneſſe! what, I pray you, conſtraines you to ſeeke to perfect the foreſaide thigns by ſtraunge melancholicall and fantaſticall regiments? as one ſayth: Wo to you that will ouercome nature, and make mettals more then perfect by a newe regiment, or worke ſprung from your owne ſenſeleſſe braines. God hath giuen to nature a ſtraite way, to wit, continuall concoction, and you like fooles deſpiſe it, or elſe know it not. Againe, fire and Azot, are ſufficient for thee. And in an other place, Heat perfecteth althings. And elſewhere, ſeeth, ſeeth, ſeeth, and be not wearie. And in an other place, let thy fire be gentle, & eaſie, which being alwayes equall, may continue burning: and let it not encreaſe, for if it do, thou ſhalt ſuffer great loſſe. And in an other place, Know thou
