Instrument and administration

Meaning

The alchemist’s reply distinguishes Nature as the maker of the Stone from the instrument and human assistance through which the work proceeds. Nature’s Demonstration to the Erring Alchemist · unit 19 says the work is hers alone, yet not without her instrument or a wise helper. Nature’s Demonstration to the Erring Alchemist · unit 21 therefore demands following Nature’s instruments and proper administration when drawing out the Stone’s form. Instrument is a means serving a principal agent, not proof of human possession of Nature’s formative power. The English retains “administration,” where the sense is supplying or managing the assistance appropriate to the work. The passage does not identify every instrument with a named piece of apparatus. Its argument concerns the right relation of means, servant and governing cause.