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I say that there are three different earths in metals and stones; the first, aside from its own mixtures, is found in stones and alkali salt; the second in niter; the third in common salt. When these three earths are mixed together without any other additions, they constitute true and genuine metals,and also stones, according to the manner of formation. Hence, I conclude that stones and metals naturally belong together, as we will specifically show in the following chapters of this section and in Book 2; for this is our opinion, based on practice, that metals and stones are made up of three simple earths, and that the evidence for these comes not from the resulting bodies, since these are already mixed or can exist unmixed, but from the beginnings; in so far as these are miscible and mixed, they determine the body of which they constitute the principles. Thus, in this kind of philosophizing it is necessary to argue from the beginnings to the results, since the subjects are subterraneous, homogeneous, and insoluble, unless some new decomposition occurs. Now, our opinion having been explained in general, we will hurry on to the explanation of the three principles, namely, the three earths, according to our mind... .
Concerning the First Principle of Metals and Stones, Which Is called the Vitreous Stone, or Stony Earth (terra lapidia) and Improperly Salt
Up to now, we have been treating in general the principles of those things that are subterraneous ... . Now we are going to explain each of the principles, of which there are three (that is three earths), and in this chapter we are going to begin with the first, which is the mother and source of the other two. The kind of stone which melts in fire, and melting, produces glass, is found in all species of stones, of which there are three: for some stones melt, others do not melt, but in a strong fire are reduced to a calx, and still others do not melt nor are they reduced to a calx, but remain intact even in the strongest fire; still further, some of these always remain when glowing hot but when made ice cold break apart and crumble, but others get red hot or ice cold as often as you wish, and always remain unchanged.
Concerning the first species of stone, namely stones that melt ... . These are recognized by diverse properties, for mud, sand, flint, and many other stones melt in fire; but by this species we understand that which is the noblest of all, and is often called calx by mineralogists. Without it no other mineral is of any value, or sends forth any fertility, for that stone is so necessary to minerals that, existing in the mountains either raw or without any other metal, it becomes an infallible sign of future metal ... therefore we state and acknowledge this earth or stone ... as the first principle of all metals, minerals, stones, and gems ... . It is actually present in all metals and minerals, and also in all stones and gems ... .
Concerning the Second Principle of Minerals, Which Is Fatty Earth (terra pinguis), Improperly called Sulfur
We find the three earths in animals, vegetables, and minerals ... . These three have a great affinity one for the other, and a great analogy. While it (i.e. terra pinguis) is related to the other earth which we have already treated and whence metals and stones obtain their liquidity and fusibility, it most certainly has a great relationship and analogy with the earth of vegetables, that, namely, which is present in the calcination of vegetables and the lixiviation of ashes ... . It can also be prepared from all vegetables, for this earth, although it seems to be useless and of no value, has a very great analogy with the preceding earth of minerals and magnetism. This is apparent in the glassmaker’s art, for when the glassmaker makes glass out of stone and flint, that is, from the aforementioned earth of minerals, which is thickened in flowing, either because of a lack of salt, or because of an excess of fire, so that it is again made hard and coagulates, nevertheless as soon as the preceding earth is injected from the ashes, not only is the whole mass of glass made more flowing, but also ... takes on growth and augment. This not only proves the great affinity of vegetable earth with mineral, but even a great likeness, harmony, and analogy, since this earth per se can be made into glass.
Translated by Henry M. Leicester and Herbert S. Klickstein
Reading and Discussion Questions
1.What properties is Becher trying to explain by categorizing “earths” into three different kinds?
2.What is it about metals that makes them especially intriguing to the early chemists?