LAMSPRING.PDF

THE BOOK

LAMSPRING

The Book of Lamspring,

A Noble Ancient Philosopher,

Concerning the Philosophical Stone;

Rendered into Latin Verse by

Nicholas Barnaud Delphinas,

Doctor of Medicine,

a zealous Student of this Art.

Produced by

R.A.M.S.

Restorers of Alchemical Manuscripts

PREFACE

I am called Lamspring, born of a Noble Family,

and this Crest I bear

with Glory and Justice.

Philosophy I have read, and thoroughly understood,

The utmost depth of my teachers' knowledge have I sounded.

This God graciously granted to me,

Giving me a heart to understand wisdom.

Thus I became the Author of this Book,

And I have clearly set forth the whole matter,

That Rich and Poor might understand.

There is nothing like it upon earth;

Nor (God be praised) have I therein forgotten my humble

self.

I am acquainted with the only true foundation:

Therefore preserve this Book with care,

And take heed that you study it again and again.

Thus shall you receive and learn the truth,

And use this great gift of God for good ends.

O God the Father, which art of all the beginning and end,

We beseech thee for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ

To enlighten our minds and thoughts,

That we may praise Thee without ceasing,

And accomplish this Book according to Thy will!

Direct Thou everything to a good end,

And preserve us through Thy great mercy. -

With the help of God I will shew you this Art,

And will not hide or veil the truth from you.

After that you understand me aright,

You will soon be free from the bonds of error.

For there is only one substance,

In which all the rest is hidden;

Therefore, keep a good heart.

Coction, time, and patience are what you need;

If you would enjoy the precious reward,

You must cheerfully give both time and labour.

For you must subject to gentle coction the seeds and the

metals,

Day by day, during several weeks;

Thus in this one vile thing

You will discover and bring to perfection the whole work of

Philosophy,

Which to most men appears impossible,

Though it is a convenient and easy task.

If we were to shew it to the outer world

We should be derided by men, women, and children.

Therefore be modest and secret,

And you will be left in peace and security.

Remember your duty towards your neighbour and your God,

Who gives this Art, and would have it concealed.

Now we will conclude the Preface,

That we may begin to describe the very Art,

And truly and plainly set it forth in figures,

Rendering thanks to the Creator of every creature.

Hereunto follows the First Figure.

Figure I

BE WARNED AND UNDERSTAND TRULY THAT TWO FISHES ARE SWIMMING

IN OUR SEA.

The Sea is the Body, the two Fishes are Soul and Spirit.

The Sages will tell you

That two fishes are in our sea

Without any flesh or bones.

Let them be cooked in their own water;

Then they also will become a vast sea,

The vastness of which no man can describe.

Moreover, the Sages say

That the two fishes are only one, not two;

They are two, and nevertheless they are one,

Body, Spirit, and Soul.

Now, I tell you most truly,

Cook these three together,

That there may be a very large sea.

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