DOMVS LVNARIS

"First look at the thumb on which a crown stands below the quarter moon. By this is meant saltpetre.... for he is the King and Lord of all salts. He is the mill through which everything must be ground. "The second sign and secret of the philosophers is the star with six points, standing above the forefinger next to the thumb. It is compared to Roman Vitriol... for it is the greatest and strongest salt after saltpetre.

"The third sign is the Sun standing above the middle finger. By it, Sal ammoniac is designated, for, apart from saltpetre and vitriol, nothing more powerful is found.

"The fourth sign of the philosophers is the lantern standing above the fourth finger of the Hand, whereby alum is indicated. For without alum, no perfect work can be accomplished, because it is required for the red and the white.

"The fifth secret and sign is the key of the philosophers, standing above the little finger... it is the lock of the Hand. That is why the key is standing on it. By it, common salt is designated, for salt is the key in this art. "The sixth secret sign is the fish. It stands in the middle of the Hand and signifies Mercury, for without Mercury or the fish nothing can be done. He is the beginning, the middle and the end... he is the water out of which all metals have originated; and he is the principal factor of all arts, and the greatest of all secrets. "The seventh sign of the philosophers is fire. By this Sulphur is indicated. It is the earth and beginning of all metals... For no seed can grow unless it be first thrown into fertile soil... when a pure Mercury is joined to a pure Sulphur, this brings forth pure fruit..."