THE ALCHEMIST’S HANDBOOK

If the extract becomes clear, pour it out of the flask and add more of
the Essence until the Salt does not absorb any more.

7. Detach the flask and remove its contents. This is now the alchemical
elixir in its first state. When warm, it becomes an oily substance
and will run. When cold it becomes solid again.

8. The potency of this elixir may be increased by calcining it in a cal-

cining dish. This is then returned to the flask of the extraction appa-
ratus, and the circulation is repeated with more of the extracted
essence. Each time this is done, the potency will be increased.

The process can be carried a step further by placing the three combined
substances in a glass flask which is tightly sealed and subjecting it to mod-
erate heat for digestion. In this way a “stone” in the vegetable kingdom can
be produced. (This must not be confused with the Philosopher’s Stone.)
While it is not absolutely necessary to produce a vegetable stone, it will
nevertheless be of great help for further alchemical investigations, espe-
cially if one is not familiar with what a sublimate substance looks like.
The potency of such a “stone” is far greater than any medicament in the
form of an elixir, as described previously. This herbal “stone” will attract
the Essence, Sulphur, and Salt of other herbs by immersion only. However,
this is not necessary. A potent medication can be prepared by the process
already mentioned. Once the first result is achieved and understood, fur-
ther investigation will continue to reveal more and more of the secrets in
Alchemy. These can only be experienced personally and individually by
each student.
For those not able to procure an extraction apparatus, another method
may be used which is much simpler in regards to the equipment needed.
This was originally described in the Alchemical Laboratory Bulletin, 1st
Quarter, No. 1, 1960, and is repeated in the material which follows.

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