46 The Triumphal Chariot of Antimony. 



After this, we may bring about 

 another separation by means of Vege- 

 table Sublimation. The spirit of wine, 

 or beer, by this process, and by Dis- 

 tillation, is separated, and prepared in 

 the form of another beverage, or ardent 

 spirits. Here the operative virtue is 

 separated from its body ; the spirit is 

 extracted by means of fire, and has de- 

 serted its inert and lifeless habitation, 

 in which before it was domiciled. 



If such ardent wine, or spirit of 

 wine, be rectified, you have Exaltation. 

 When this is done, the spirit of wine is 

 several times distilled, and so condensed 

 by being purified from all phlegm and 

 wateriness that one measure is more 

 effectual than twenty measures were be- 

 fore ; it intoxicates more rapidly, and is 

 volatile, and subtle in penetrating and 

 acting upon substances."* 



* Do not despise these remarks on the preparation of 

 beer and wine. There may be apparent repetition here, but 

 there is nothing superfluous. Return often mentally to this 

 beershop ; read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest all that is 

 said. It may be that in this turbid water, which looks so 

 unlikely, you may after all catch your fish. If the excess of 



