In many ancient Bookes there are found many definitions of this Art, the intentions wherof we must consider in this Chapter. For _Hermes_ saith of this Science: _Alchimy_ is a Corporal Science simply composed of one and by one, naturally conioyning things more precious, knowledge and effect, and conuerting them by a naturall commixtion into a better kind. A certain other saith: _Alchimy_ is a Science, teaching how to transforme any kind of mettall into another: and that by a proper medicine, as it appeareth by many Philosophers Bookes. _Alchimy_ therfore is a science teaching how to make and compound a certaine medicine, which is called _Elixir_, the which when it is cast vpon mettals or imperfect bodies, doth fully perfect them in the verie proiection. CHAP. II. _Of the naturall principles, and procreation of Minerals._ Secondly, I will perfectly declare the naturall principles & procreations of Minerals: where first it is to be noted, that the naturall principles in the mynes, are _Argent-uiue_, and _Sulphur_. All mettals and minerals, whereof there be sundrie and diuers kinds, are begotten of these two: but I must tel you, that nature alwaies intendeth and striueth to the perfection of Gold: but many accidents comming between, change the mettalls, as it is euidently to be seene in diuers of the Philosophers bookes. For according to the puritie and impuritie of the two aforesaide principles, _Argent-uiue_, and _Sulphur_, pure, and impure mettals are ingẽdred: to wit, Gold, Siluer, Steele, Leade, Copper, and Iron: of whose nature, that is to say, puritie, and impuritie, or vncleane superfluitie and defect, giue eare to that which followeth. _Of the nature of Golde._ Gold is a perfect body, engendred of _Argent-uiue_ pure, fixed, cleare, red, and of _Sulphur_ cleane, fixed, red, not burning, and it wanteth nothing. _Of the nature of Siluer._ Siluer is a body, cleane, pure, and almost perfect, begotten of _Argent-uiue_, pure, almost fixed, cleare, and white, & of such a like _Sulphur_: It wanteth nothing, saue a little fixation, colour, and weight. _Of the nature of Steele._ Steele is a body cleane, imperfect, engendred of Argent-uine pure, fixed & not fixed cleare, white outwardly, but red inwardly, and of the like Sulphur. It wanteth onely decoction or digestion. _Of the nature of Leade._ Leade is an vncleane and imperfect bodie, engendred of Argent-uiue impure, not fixed, earthy, drossie, somewhat white outwardly, and red inwardly, and of such a Sulphur in part burning. It wanteth puritie, fixation, colour, and fiering. _Of the nature of Copper._ Copper is an vncleane and imperfect bodie, engendred of Argent-uiue, impure, not fixed, earthy, burning, red not cleare, and of the like Sulphur. It wanteth purity, fixation, and weight: and hath too much of an impure colour, and earthinesse not burning. _Of the nature of Iron._