Page 19 - Charnock alchemical letter

Master Charnock

First I do demand a hundred £ in hand, before I begin, for to bear my
charges to ride and to get together all things necessary for my works,
whereof some I must fetch in Cornwall, some in Somerset shire, some in
Sussex, and the rest in London: And so to bring it together into one
place, where I shall set it up and work it. And then I will demand an
hundred £ a year to be paid quarterly from that day I begin unto the end
and term of seven years, towards the maintenance of my 4 works, me,
and my servants who shall help me to attend to the same.

The Oxford Man

But now what surety shall the Queen majesty have of you, for the
performance of anything when you have her money?

Master Charnock

I will put her majesty in good and sufficient surety, and be bound by
obligation in two hundred £ to set up 4 works within the Tower of
London, within one quarter of a year after I have received the hundred £
and then my bond to be released, for my works there once begun, shall
be a sufficient surety of itself, because it is such a thing which may not
be removed from the beginning until it be made an end. And in all this
time of seven years I must not be lacking from it above six hours at a
time, for it must be diligently attended as well night as day. And my fires
must neither go out nor be exalted in no degree at one time more than at
another, in all this time afore mentioned: which artificial fire shall bring
in length of time into my work, such a subtle natural fire, that the eye
cannot discern to see nor it the hand palpable to feel. Let all the
philosophers within this realm, wisely consider what manner of fire this
might be the trial whereof before true practice was past, hath cost me a
hundred £.

The Oxford Man

Truly I have heard since my coming down into the country how that you
have kept fire now last to your work three years continually. I pray you
to what perfection did you bring it unto?

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