"The Earth by itself produces nothing into the subtle airs: It is the Spirit that gives life, and nourishes it. This Spirit derives its origin from the shining stars. From this source, all metals receive their power. The Herculean stone is joined to iron by love: Just so does our Lion love our Mercury."
- THE FIFTH KEY OF BASIL (Viridarium chymicum figuris cupro incisis adornatum, c. 1624 by Stoltzius von Stoltzenberg, Daniel)
