Neither are these two metals easily dissolved in the spirit of salt, yet being filed, are dissolved in the best rectified spirit of salt. But the operation is performed better with the flowers of these metals (the preparation whereof shall be hereafter taught.) Take therefore the flowers, upon which in a gourd glass pour the spirit of salt, and presently the spirit will work upon them, especially being set in a warm place; filter the yellow solution, and abstract the humidity, until there remain a yellow heavy oyle, which is proper against putrid ulcers. _Oyle of_ Mercury. Neither is this easily dissolved with the spirit of salt: but being sublimed with vitriol, and salt is easily dissolved. Being dissolved, it yields an oyle very corrosive, which must be used with discretion, wherefore it is not to be administred, unless it be where none of the other are to be had. For I saw a woman suddenly killed with this oyle, being applyed by a certain Chyrurgeon. But this oyle is not to be slighted in eating ulcers, tetter, _&c._ which are mortified by it. _Oyle of Antimony._ Crude Antimony that hath never undergone the fire, is hardly dissolved in spirit of salt: as also the _Regulus_ thereof; but the _Regulus_ being subtilly poudered, is more easily wrought upon, in case the spirit be sufficiently rectified. The _Vitrum_ is more easily, but most easily of all the flowers are dissolved, being such as are made after our prescription a little after set down. Neither is _Butyrum Antimonii_ (being made out of sublimed Mercury, and Antimony) any thing else but the _Regulus_ of Antimony dissolved with spirit of salt; for sublimed Mercury being mixed with Antimony, feeling the heat of the fire, is forsaken by the corrosive spirits associating themselves with the Antimony, whence comes the thick Oyle; whilest which is done the sulphur of Antimony is joyned to the Quick-silver, and yields a Cinnabar, sticking to the neck of the Retort; but the residue of the Mercury remains in the bottom with the _Caput Mortuum_, because a little part thereof doth distill off: And if thou hast skill thou mayst recover the whole weight of the Mercury again. And these things I was willing the rather to shew thee, because many think this is the oyle of Mercury, and therefore that white powder made thence by the pouring on of abundance of water they call _Mercurius vitæ_, with which there is no mixture at all of Mercury, for it is meer Regulus of Antimony dissolved with spirit of Salt, which is again separated, when the water is poured on the Antimonial butter; as is seen by experience; For that white pouder being dryed, and melted in a crucible yields partly a yellow Glass, and partly also a Regulus, but no Mercury at all.