Page 2 - Treatise on Salt

Hermetic Research Series Number 8

A Treatise on Salt

This work, possibly by Sendivogius, the important and influential
seventeenth century alchemist, discusses the threefold aspect of the
salt principle in alchemy, and where it is fo und in Nature, of how it
is dissolved and then divided into four elements. It draws parallels
between the white stone born out of the salt and Christ's Beatitudes
and some verses from the Book of Revelation. He shows how one
can lead from the white stone to the red, the goal and conclusion of
the work of alchemical philosophers.

A certain thing is found in this world,
Which is also everywhere, and in every place,
It is not earth, nor fire, nor air, nor water,
However it wants neither of these things,
Nay, it can become fire, air, water, and earth;
For it contains all nature, in itself purely, and sincerely,
It becomes white and red, is hot and cold,
It is moist and dry, and is diversifiable every way,
The band of sages only have known it,
And they call it their salt.

Cover illustration is a woodcut of Alchimia from Thurneisser’s Quinta Essentia,
1572, coloured by Adam McLean

Adam McLean
15 Keir Street
Glasgow G41 2NP
UK
www.alchemywebsite.com/bookshop