dy, which, by
its softness, fixes, congeals, and renders the mineral matter more or
less perfect.

Q. Which are the perfect metals? A. Gold and silver.

Q. Which are the imperfect metals? A. Brass, lead, tin, iron and
quicksilver.

Q. How come we by the knowledge of these things? A. By frequent
observations and the experiments made in natural philosophy, which
have decided to a certainty that nature gives a perfection to all
things, if she has time to complete her operations.

Q. Can art bring metal to perfection so fully as nature? A. Yes; but
in order to do this, you must have an exact knowledge of nature.

Q. What will assist you to bring forth this knowledge? A. A matter
brought to perfection, this has been sought for under the name of the
philosopher's stone.

Q. What does the globe represent? A. An information of philosophers,
for the benefit of the art in this work.

Q. What signify the words, "Lux ex tenebris?" A. That is the depth of
darkness you ought to retire from, in order to gain the true light.

Q. What signifies the cross on the globe? A. The cross is the emblem
of the true elected.

Q. What represent the three candlesticks? A. The three degrees of
fire, which the artist must have knowledge to give, in order to
procure the matters from which it proceeds.

Q. What signifies the word Stibium? A. It signifies antimony, or the
first matter of all things.

Q. What signify the seven degrees? A. The different effectual degrees
of Masonry which you must pass to come to the Sublime Degree of
Knights of the Sun.

Q. What signify the divers attributes in those degrees? A. First. The
Bible, or God's law, which we ought to follow. Second. The compass
teaches us to do nothing unjust. Third. The square conducts us equal
to the same end. 4th. The level demonstrates to us, all that is just
and equitable. Fifth. The perpendicular, to be upright and subdue the
veil of prejudice. Sixth. The tressle-board is the image of our
reason, where the functions are combined to effect, compare and think.
Seventh. The rough-stone is the resemblance of our vices, which we
ought to reform. Eighth. The cubic stone is our passions, which we
ought to surmount. Ninth. The columns signify strength in all things.
Tenth. The blazing star teaches that our hearts ought to be as a clear
sun, among those that are troubled with the things of this life.
Eleventh. The key teaches to have a watchful eye over those who are
contrary to r