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Contents of the theorems and chapters of this book. First Part. Proem — p. 3 Theorem I. That God the Lord created water first — 4 Theorem II. That all things were created from water — 6 Theorem III. That water contains the powers of the whole of nature — 9 Theorem IV. That preparing a universal medicine requires no particular thing—animal, vegetable, or mineral—but a universal and catholic subject — 10 Theorem V. That separation did not change the waters in themselves; one was merely made thinner, subtler, clearer, and more powerful and effective than another — 14
Theorem VI. Rainwater is a thing most artfully made: thin, subtle, transparent, sweet, pleasant, spiritual, and simple; an element and throne that has received no particular blessing or command from almighty God. It contains all colours, the beginnings of the other elements, and thus the seed of all visible things; all powers and virtues for nourishing animals and growing things, and for healing all diseases; in sum, the powers of the whole of nature. Its residence is in the air beneath the firmament of heaven — 17
Theorem VII. That the so-called efficient cause of this universal medicine is the very great spirit of which the frequently cited passage, Genesis 1, says: “And the Spirit of God hovered upon the water” — 27