Fixed Oil of Antimony
Our Fixed Oil of antimony is an alchemically produced product utilising methodology dating back to the famous alchemist Basil Valentine, in his book "The Triumphal Chariot of Antimony" published is 1678. This tincture is an alchemical "oil": an extract of the 'soul', colour, or medicinal properties of antimony that contains no actual antimony in it. As such, it is not an antimony colloid, where the metal is broken down into nanoparticles and suspended in a liquid. Rather, this is a complex organic oil catalysed from the mineral itself utilising traditional methodology from the Western tradition of alchemy. As the 'fixed' extract of antimony, it is said to purify through sweating, is cooling and is used for acute bouts of illness.
Antimony is one of the true dragons of alchemy, with many names associated with it through its long history in the highly secretive Hermetic arte. Names such as the "venemous serpent", "scaly dragon", "our double mercury", "our Luna", "the Saturnian liquid" to name but a few.
Antimony is a wonderous mineral-metalloid with a long history in alchemy, its useage dating right back to ancient Egypt. An essential component in many paths to the Philosopher's Stone, it fell out of use in the 17th century when chemistry split off from alchemy. At this time there were many charlatans claiming to know alchemy, yet did not know how to purify and separate the true oil from the mineral itself. Still to this day, outside of alchemical circles, few know how to prepare antimony properly as the ancients did and to extract it's medicinal qualities. Here at the Temple of Mercury we prepare this extract using traditional alchemical methodology.
This tincture is an alchemical "oil": an extract of the 'soul', colour, or medicinal properties of antimony that contains no actual antimony in it. As such, it is not an antimony colloid, where the metal is broken down into nanoparticles and suspended in a liquid. Rather, this is a complex organic extract of the mineral itself utilising traditional methodology from the Western tradition of alchemy.
From Basil Valentine's Triumphal Chariot of Antimony 1678:
"This Oil is of a singular and incredible Sweetness, with which no other thing may be compared, it is grateful in the Use, and all Corrosiveness is separated from it. No man can by Cogitation judge, by Understanding comprehend, what incredible Effects, potent Powers, and profitable Virtues are in this Royal Oil. Therefore this this Sulphur of Antimony, I have given no other Name, than my Balsom of Life; because it effects very much, by the Grace of GOD, in those, in whom was no help to be hoped for, but by the mercy of GOD, and nothing remained by a most certain expectation of changing Life with Death; as my Brethren can witness hath been often done. It refresheth a man so, as if he were new born; it purifies the Blood; mixt and exhibited with the Tincture of Corals, it cleanseth Leprosy, and expels every Scab, which through impurity of the Blood takes Root in man. It drives away Melancholy and sadness of Heart, it confirms the Junctures, and above all strengthens the Heart, when given with the Magistery of Pearls. Also it helps the Memory, and in Swouning a more noble Medicine is not found, if six drops of it mixt with equal parts of Oil of Cinnamon be put upon the Tongue, and the Nostrils and Arteries be anointed with a little of the Essence of Saffron."
"Many alchemists have claimed it to be the best blood purifier available. The volatised oil of antimony is said to help restore youth. Depending on the method of preparation, the oil of antimony rids the body of toxins by purgation, catharsis or through sweating. There are many claims through the centuries of antimony oil curing cancer and leprosy. The Oil of Antimony is held to be nearly a universal medicine. It has a characteristic penetrating fire that will work with any other planetary medicine and deliver it powerfully to its target. Hence, it is often called the Triumphal Chariot." - Robert Allen Bartlett, Real Alchemy.