c. 1606
D.O.M.A. Commentaries on Alchemy by Andreas Libavius:
LAPIDUS: "Corpus: In the first operation, copper emerges as Venus from the sea, and it is called earth. Mars, however, is that mercurial liquid, which is the spirit of mercury, and is purified by sublimation from vitriol and salt of septerium, and through other elevated paths it is purged and freed from all earthly impurities. In this way, it can be prepared to dissolve gold entrusted to it.
However, from sublimation, it must be returned by the most ingenious method for tartar, and there should remain no trace of salt or any mineral impurity, but pure mercury is drawn out in the right proportion of sulfur. Some use it in this initial stage alone, others add prepared gold or silver so that, in the bath, the old man is rejuvenated. This is the element of earth.
Anima: Virgin's Milk; the living water, which is separated drop by drop into the body and coagulates with it, is ignited and turns red. It is like a heavenly dew dripping onto the dead body. It is Azoth, cleansing the black stone. It is the element of water. Note that this water, when composed from the beginning, is made from the reduced mercury of the body and raw mineral, but purified.
Spiritus: The purified spirit of wine, which coagulates with the body in the first operation, dissolves in the second. And thus, the true caput mortuum is submerged, dissolving through putrefaction.
But in coagulation, it becomes white live lime and an elixir, which is called oleum, and arsenic as well, and so on. Fire turns into red lime after fermentation in the third operation. In this, repetition and successive transformation take place according to the order of all elements."
A. A small flame of fire rises from a glass, similar to thorns. B. In this region, a flying dragon with a long tail is captured, and crowned like a basilisk biting its own tail. Its feet are turned upside down and lie on its back. The tail is covered with scales, while the body seems greenish-grey and ash-colored. C. An eagle with red feet and a yellow beak, its wings are red, and it flies with wings spread. Its body has a greenish tint, similar to a peacock’s tail or iris. D. A black cross in a silver field. E. A red rose in a silver field. F. A red rose in a red field. G. A silver crescent moon in a gold field. H. A lion’s head, golden, like the sun. I. A red rose in a silver field. K. A golden candle surrounded by red roses. L. Three golden stars in a silver field. M. Six blue stars in a golden field. N. A white candle in a silver field (sometimes yellow). O. A white rose in a red field. P. A king holds a golden lily in his hand. Q. A queen with a crown is resting on a throne covered with silver cloth. R. A silver candle. S. A red candle. T. A golden crown. V. Candles inside apples. X. Golden and silver lilies.
What do these symbols signify?
This can be explained more easily by understanding their applications in alchemical processes, each of them with different purposes. When the flame in the glass appears, the fire element represents the intelligence of philosophers. Candles and roses symbolize the secret fire of the Sun and the Moon. The dragon with its tail wrapped around itself represents Mercury’s corruption and dissolution.
A. The pedestal supports the foundation of the work. B. Two giants, facing each other, stand to the right and left of a globe, holding it with their arms. C. A dragon’s head appears, spitting fire with its jaws and emitting fiery breath. Its eyes glow, and its wings are outstretched. This symbolizes Mars. D. Mercury, depicted with a helmet, moves stealthily like a beast. E. A lion in the field. F. The tail of the dragon coiled around the pillar signifies the liquid mercury that is always retained in alchemical works. G. An eagle flies with wings spread, and it also has an owl’s head, symbolizing its ability to see in darkness. The third position indicates wisdom. H. The image of the lion’s head placed on the sun, indicating strength and nobility, in line with the signs of Leo. I. A candle emitting both red and white flames is burning, representing a philosophical metaphor. K. Three golden stars on a silver field symbolize purity. L. The crescent moon, placed within a silver circle, signifies nighttime and the powers associated with it. M. A crown on the head, pointing toward the firmament and the signs of the zodiac. N. A mountain standing alone. O. A head of a ram with its horns directed toward the earth, signifying fertility and the principle of growth. P. A lily held by a king, symbolizing purity and nobility. Q. The queen, standing, is holding a silver cup, symbolizing her role in the alchemical work. R. A silver candle signifies purification and the essence of distillation. S. A red candle, representing fire and the final stage of the work. T. A golden crown, symbolizing the completion of the work and the mastery of the elements. V. Candles enclosed in apples, representing the fruitful outcome of alchemical processes. X. Golden and silver lilies, representing the union of opposites and the balance of the elements.
A. A double-headed lion, symbolizing the prime matter of the stone, created from the double mercury of the lion’s head. This head vomits green water, which is the philosophical mercury born from two. This is also called the Green Lion. B. Lions on both sides, as if placed in Solomon's degree of five, representing the five metals from one root of the lion and cooked mercury. These can transfer into the Sun and the Moon: the right lions head towards the Sun, the left towards the Moon. This is seen in the work through successive potentiations and transmutations. Not without mystery, the supreme Lion looks down at the lower matters. C. The effigy of the Sun. D. The image of the Moon. E. A bath in which the king sits with the queen. This is also a figure of the nuptial bed, representing the generation of similar beings. Also, a garden in which there is a tree with golden apples (the Hesperides). F. A king with a diadem and a lily scepter, as if addressing the queen. G. In the middle, a tree bearing golden apples, with golden stars surrounding crowns, signifying multiplication and increase, or even the fruits of projection.
The original from which the translation was made into English: Alchymia Andreæ Libavii (https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andreas_Libavius) c. 1606 https://sammlungen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de/.../title.../11852207