The Triumphal Chariot of Antimony. 65 



one of which must be tested and known 

 in its relation to the rest. In like 

 manner, my writings and prescriptions 

 have one common scope or aim. The 

 guide who alone can lead you to the 

 place where Plutus sits enthroned, is 

 Vulcan (the god of fire). If you strike 

 steel with a flint, the violent collision 

 elicits a spark, and calls forth the hidden 

 sulphur, or hidden fire, which is kindled 

 by the air so that it burns truly and 

 effectually. Salt remains in the ashes, 

 and mercury is struck out together with 

 the burning sulphur.* 



In Antimony, too, the mercury must, 

 by a natural method, be separated from 

 its sulphur and salt. Unless the fire 

 which is latent in the steel becomes visible 

 and tangible, it can be of no use ; and so 

 our Medicine will produce no effect, 



* This illustration is as remarkable and suggestive as it 

 is simple. From cold steel there is struck out with a cold 

 flint a tiny spark of fire, which has power to penetrate a 

 whole mountain of fuel with intense burning flame. This 

 phenomenon is of daily occurrence, and in it the fixed 

 becomes volatile, and the volatile is fixed. Here is wisdom 

 for him who has eyes to see, and an answer for those who 

 doubt the power of Alchemy. 



F 



