Sal Lumen and Spiritus Mundi Philosophici

The spirit of the universe is the general and common genus of all genera. For if we consider the lower or elemental world, we shall find it divided into three subordinate kinds, namely the vegetable, animal and mineral. Yet the spirit is always one in each thing, though it operates differently according to the diversity of species. From this comes the infinite variety of creatures; otherwise there would necessarily be only one species of things throughout the universe. But if we consider the higher and celestial world, we shall likewise find that this spirit is one and the same in everything there, differing only in purification and subtlety. For from pure fiery substance were made those celestial spirits so far removed from the coarse bodily thickness below; and from the intermediate airy substance were composed the celestial globes and their lights. It has therefore made all things because, through its exquisite balance of qualities, it possesses the powers of higher and lower things. This body alone, among them all, is the beginning and end of perfection; and if it lacked those powers, it would perfect nothing. Here, however, we mean simple and natural perfection. Thus, although perfect only according to Nature’s intention, and containing within itself the rule, measure, action and power of perfection, it nevertheless acquires so great a force over natural things that it draws everything from potentiality into action. It alters everything and penetrates everything, however thick; softens hard things and hardens soft ones; and finally increases, nourishes and preserves everything.