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 which are supposed to be meant of the Grand Elixir, were never applied to a Chymical Sense, till the Writings of Synesius, Zosimus, and the other old Grecian Chymists appeared? Especially since, 4. Apollonius Rhodius himself was an Alexandrian Greek, born in Egypt, and so could easily acquaint himself with the Traditions of that Country, which he, originally of another Nation, was under no Obligation to conceal.

2. The Chymists, at least Borrichius for them, own Democritus's Books to be genuine, upon the Credit of Zosimus who quotes them: If they are, this pretended Secrecy falls to the Ground: For Democritus affirms, That he learnt his Art from Ostanes a Mede, who was sent by the Kings of Persia into Egypt, as Governour of the Egyptian Priests. Then the Secret was divulged to some of the Conquerours of their Country. If so, why no more Tradition of it? If not the Process it self, yet at least the Memory that once there was such a Process? Which would have been enough for this Purpose. The same Question may be asked of Democritus, to whom Ostanes revealed it. This will weaken Zosimus's Credit as an Antiquary, upon whose Assertion most of this pretended Antiquity