Page 13 - Paracelsus Three Books of Philosophy

wide; yet hath it very little substance besides a small quantity of soot. All the other
space, where the smoke is, is very mere and pure air, as may be seen in the separation
of the smoke from the soot.

Separation was the principle and mother of all generation. The greatest miracle of
all in philosophy is separation. Yet should not men study these things beyond their
capacity and reason. How such things were, and might be made, is somewhat to be
known by this example, viz., if you put vinegar to warm milk, you shall see a
separation of the heterogeneous parts many ways. Thus the Truphat (or Traphat)1 of
metals brought every metal into its own nature. So was it in the Mystery. For as the
macerated tincture of silver, so also the great penetrating mystery, reduced every thing
into its essence, distinguishing and separating all things with such wonderful diligence,
that every substance had its due form. Now that magic was a most singular secret that
directed such an entrance. Which if it were divinely done by the Deity, it would be to
no purpose to study for it. Nor doth the Deity make known himself to us hereby. But
if that magic were natural, certainly it was most wonderful, very excellent for
quickness of penetration and swiftness of separation, the like whereof Nature can
never give more or express. For whilst that was busy at work, one piece fell into the
elements, another into invisible things, another into the vegetables; which doubtless
must needs be a very great and singular miracle.

Inasmuch then as the Great Mystery was full of such essence and Deity with an
addition of the most eternal one; the separation was before any creature. When this
began, then every creature sprang forth and appeared in its majesty, power and free
will: in which state also it shall still flourish even to the end of the world, or that great
harvest, when all things shall be pregnant with fruit, which shall then be gathered and
carried into the barn. For the harvest is the end of its fruit, nor doth it intend ought but
the corporeal destruction of all things. And though their number be almost infinite, yet
is there but one harvest only, when all the Creation shall be reaped, and carried into the
barn. Nor will this harvest, the end of all things, be less admirable, than that Great
Mystery was wonderful in the beginning, notwithstanding the free power of things be
the cause of their mutual affection and destruction. For there is nothing but has both
love and hatred. The free will flourishes and is conversant in virtues, but is either
friend or foe in our works. But these things belong not to separation. For that is the
sequestratrix that gives to every thing its form and essence.

1 Truphat – That mineral virtue which brings every metal to its own stage of development. A secret
virtue of metals.

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