The Triumphal Chariot of Antimony. 107 



The proper dose of this oil before 

 coagulation is eight grains dissolved in 

 pure wine. It restores youth and dis- 

 pels melancholy ; the hair and the nails 

 are renewed, and the whole frame is 

 renovated, as the Phcenix is said to be 

 renovated by fire. It destroys all ad- 

 verse symptoms like a consuming fire, 

 but itself cannot be consumed by fire ; 

 its action is as universal as that of 

 potable gold. The Star of the Sun, if 

 properly fixed, alone excels all other 

 remedies ; for the Star of the Sun and 

 the Star of Mercury arise from one 



very bad case of dropsy < a girl of twenty-one) by two doses 

 of this medicine daily for twenty days ; at the end of that 

 period the body had been reduced to its proper dimensions 

 by means of profuse perspirations and other modes of excre- 

 tion. Notice, O lover of learning, should you chance to 

 prepare it yourself, or to receive it prepared by another, that 

 this oil does not imitate the operation of other diaphoretics, the 

 first dose of which provokes perspiration. But if it be placed 

 in a body obstructed by humours, the first dose effects nothing, 

 except slowly opening the pores ; on the second day it 

 gently stimulates perspiration ; on the third day there is 

 profuse sweating ; on the fourth day water is removed from 

 the system in large quantities. But this is a matter for the 

 physicians ; the Key of Hercules is useless if it be iiot in the 

 hands of Hercules. 



