Magia Adamica

lie. Do not be deceived, then, by many descriptions and operations, for it is only one thing, to which nothing extraneous may be added.” So says Arnold, who borrowed this from the Turba. Let us now hear his disciple Raymond Lull. Speaking very grudgingly and obscurely of seven metallic principles, he describes the third, which includes four of the seven, in these words: [New translation of the Latin:] “The third is a clear compound water, and it is the thing most nearly approaching quicksilver. It is found running and flowing upon the earth. This quicksilver is properly generated in every elemental body from the matter of air, and therefore its moisture is very heavy.” [Vaughan’s own English rendering:] “The third principle is a clear compound water, the substance nearest in constitution to quicksilver. It is found running and flowing upon the earth. This quicksilver is generated in every compound from the substance of air, and therefore its moisture is extremely heavy.” To these I shall add Albert the Great, whose testimony in this kind of learning is like the stylanx to gold. He had searched it thoroughly and knew what part would withstand the test. [New translation of the Latin:] “The mercury of the wise is a watery element, cold and moist: permanent water, spirit of the body, oily vapour,