Page:Hermetic and Alchemical Writings of Paracelsus Vol I (IA cu31924092287121).djvu/149

 according to their own distinct colours. The generation of common stones is from the subtlety of water, by the mucilaginous Mercury, Sulphur, and Salt. For all stones are produced by the mucilage of water, as also pebbles and sand are coagulated from the same source into stones. This is patent to the eyes: for every stone placed in water soon draws the mucilage to itself. If, now, that mucilaginous matter be taken from such stones and coagulated in a cucurbite, a stone will be produced of the same kind as would of itself be produced and coagulated in the water, but after a long period of time.