Chapter xx That naturall Vertues are in some things throughout their whole
Again thou must consider, that the vertues of things are in some things in the whole i.e. the whole substance of them, or in all their parts, as that little fish Echeneis, which is said to stop a ship by its meer touch, this it doth not do according to any particular part, but according to the whole substance. So the Civet Cat hath this in its whole substance, that Dogs by the very touch of his shadow hold their peace. So Salendine is good for the sight, not according to any one but all its...
Chap xiii Whence the Occult Vertues of things proceed
It is well known to all, that there is a Certain vertue in the Loadstone, by which it attracts Iron, and that the Diamond doth by its presence take away that vertue of the Loadstone so also Amber, and jeat jet rubbed, and warmed draw a straw to them, and the Stone Asbestus asbestos being once fired is never, or scarce extinguished a Carbuncle shines in the dark, the Stone Aetites put above the young fruit of Women, or Plants, strengthens them, but being put under, causeth abortion the Jasper...
Chap v Of the wonderfull Natures of Fire and Earth
There are two things saith Hermes viz. Fire and Earth, which are sufficient for the operation of all wonderfull things the former is active, the latter passive. Fire as saith Dionysius in all things, and through all things, comes and goes away bright, it is in all things bright, and at the same time occult, and unknown When it is by it self no other matter coming to it, in which it should manifest its proper action it is boundless, and invisible, of it self sufficient for every action that is...