Mercury of gold

Use in the book

At pp. 69–702 Khunrath says that a subtle preparation of gold may readily be brought to a corporeal, running, revived Mercury of Sol by someone knowing the method. The example belongs to the preceding catalogue of metallic transformations; it is not a disclosure of Magnesia. The following judgement denies that these products by themselves are the true first matter, even the specified first matter of silver or gold.

A second context makes the evidential limit especially clear. At pp. 115–1162 Khunrath questions whether extracting metallic sulphur truly leaves the metal's own Mercury as pure clear water without foreign waters or spirits. He proposes examining what remains when the employed liquids are separated. The issue is whether the claimed product is actually established, not merely whether someone has given it a prestigious name.

Mercury of gold therefore belongs to particular metallic constitution and preparation. Neither its derivation from a noble metal nor its flowing appearance makes it the common mother of all metals.

Places to read

1. 1599 p. 69The Mercury of Sol is described as corporeal, running and revivable, with the verb continued on p. 70.
2. 1599 p. 70The catalogue’s preparations do not of themselves supply true first matter.
3. 1599 p. 115The claim to obtain pure watery Mercury of the Moon or Sun is questioned.
4. 1599 p. 116Khunrath asks what remains after the liquids used in preparation are removed.

Translation in this edition

Sol is translated as gold where the metal is plainly intended. The explosive behaviour described before the Mercury phrase on p. 69 is a separate feature of the preceding preparation; a modern chemical identification is not needed to establish this entry's referent.