The Triumphal Chariot of Antimony. 139 



composition all together in a new glazed 

 pot, which is free from all grease, over 

 a circulatory fire, but not all at once. 

 (This operation the ancients called deto- 

 nation.) Then pulverize the hard matter 

 which remains in the pot ; pour over it 

 moderately hot ordinary water, and when 

 the powder has settled at the bottom, add 

 more water, till all the saltpetre is ex- 

 tracted.* Dry the substance, and again 

 add to it its own weight of saltpetre ; burn 

 again, and repeat this operation three 

 times ; pulverize what then remains, add 

 best spirit of wine, circulate diligently for 

 a month in a well-closed cucurbit or cir- 

 culatorium ; pour to it, and remove, spirit 

 of wine nine or ten times. Gently dry 



* At this stage the substance is the powder of Ruland, 

 with which he performed so many medicinal miracles. It 

 should be prepared under a certain heavenly conjunction, 

 and is the better the redder it is : for its colour is its soul. 

 This is the true " crocus of metals," though not like the 

 emetic which is sold under that name in shops. Take 8, 9, 

 10, or 1 1 grains of this powder, according to the strength of 

 the patient ; pour on them 3 or 4 oz. of wine ; distil for 

 four or five hours; the tincture of crocus of metals which 

 is then extracted, is like blood ; give it to the patient as a 

 gentle purgative ; it will radically cure any disease in the 

 treatment of which it may be employed. 



