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15 -MINUTE
MANDARIN
CHINESE
L E A R N I N J U S T 12 W E E K S

MA CHENG

ISBN: 97814 65 4 62978


CONTENTS
How to use this book 4
Senior Editors Angeles Gavira, Christine Stroyan
Senior Art Editor Ina Stradins WEEK 1
Art Editor Hugh Schermuly
US Managing Editor Lori Hand INTRODUCTIONS
US Editor Kayla Dugger Hello 8
Jacket Design Development Manager Sophia MTT
Jacket Designer Juhi Sheth
My family 10
Pre-Producer David Almond Your relatives 12
Senior Producer Ana Vallarino To be/to have 14
Associate Publisher Liz Wheeler Review and repeat 16
Publishing Director Jonathan Metcalf

Language content for Dorling Kindersley by WEEK 2


g-and-w publishing EATING AND DRINKING

This American Edition, 2018


In the café 18
First American Edition, 2005 In the restaurant 20
Published in the United States by DK Publishing Dishes 22
1450 Broadway, Suite 801, New York, NY 10018 Requests 24
18 19 20 21 22 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Review and repeat 26
001—196643—Jan/2018
Copyright © 2005, 2012, 2013, 2018 WEEK 3
Dorling Kindersley Limited
DK, a Division of Penguin Random House LLC MAKING ARRANGEMENTS
All rights reserved. Days and months 28
Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved Time and numbers 30
above, no part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or
Appointments 32
transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, On the telephone 34
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) Review and repeat 36
without the prior written permission of
the copyright owner.
WEEK 4
Published in Great Britain by Dorling Kindersley Limited. TRAVEL
A catalog record for this book is available from the
Library of Congress. At the train station 38
ISBN 978-1-4654-6297-8 To go/to take 40
DK books are available at special discounts when purchased
Bus, taxi, and subway 42
in bulk for sales promotions, premiums, fund-raising, or On the road 44
educational use. For details, contact: DK Publishing Special Review and repeat 46
Markets, 1450 Broadway, Suite 801, New York, NY 10018
[email protected]
Printed in China

For the curious

www.dk.com
WEEK 5 WEEK 10
GETTING AROUND AT HOME
Around town 48 Home 98
Asking directions 50 Inside the home 100
Sightseeing 52 The garden 102
At the airport 54 Animals 104
Review and repeat 56 Review and repeat 106

WEEK 6 WEEK 11
ACCOMMODATION SERVICES
Booking a room 58 Post office and bank 108
In the hotel 60 Repairs 110
Hot spas 62 To come 112
Adjectives 64 Police and crime 114
Review and repeat 66 Review and repeat 116

WEEK 7 WEEK 12
SHOPPING LEISURE AND SOCIALIZING
Department store 68 Leisure time 118
Electronics store 70 Sport and hobbies 120
At the supermarket 72 Socializing 122
Clothes and shoes 74 Review and repeat 124
Review and repeat 76 Reinforce and progress 126

WEEK 8 MENU GUIDE 128


WORK AND STUDY
Jobs 78 ENGLISH – CHINESE DICTIONARY 138
The office 80
At the conference 82 THE CHINESE WRITING SYSTEM 152
In business 84
Review and repeat 86 USEFUL SIGNS 158

WEEK 9 Acknowledgments 160


HEALTH
At the pharmacy 88
The body 90
With the doctor 92
In the hospital 94
Review and repeat 96
4 HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

How to use this book


The main part of this book is devoted to
12 themed chapters, broken down into
five 15-minute daily lessons, the last of
which is a revision lesson. So, in just 12 2 W E E K 12

12 weeks you will have completed the Warm-up (1 minute) SHÈJIĀO


course. A concluding reference section Say “your husband” and Socializing
contains a menu guide, an English-to- “your wife.” (pp.12–13)
As a business guest, it’s more common
How do you say “lunch” to be invited to a restaurant than to
Chinese dictionary, and a guide and “dinner” in Chinese?
(pp.20–21)
someone’s home. This is partly
practical—people often have long
to Chinese characters. Say “Sorry, I’m busy that commutes. But if you’re staying
day.” (pp.32–33) for longer, you may be invited
for a meal or a party.
Warm up
Each day starts with a warm up that Useful phrases (3 minutes)
encourages you to recall vocabulary or Learn these phrases and then test yourself.
phrases you have learned previously. 您想来参加晚宴吗? Would you like to come
nín xiǎng lái cānjiā for dinner?
The time in brackets indicates the wǎnyàn ma
amount of time you are expected
to spend on each exercise. 星期三怎么样? What about Wednesday?
xīngqīsān zěnmeyàng

Useful phrases 下一次吧。 Perhaps another time.


xiàyīcì ba
Selected phrases relevant
to the topic help you speak
and understand.
Cultural tip When visiting a Chinese home, remember th
common to remove your shoes at the door. Take a gift for the
or hostess. Flowers, a bottle of wine, or a present from your h
country will be greatly appreciated.
Cultural/Conversational tip
These panels provide additional
insights into life in China and In conversation (6 minutes)
language usage.

您想来参加星期二的 对不起,我星期二很忙。 星期四怎么样?


晚宴吗? duìbuqǐ, wǒ xīngqī’èr xīngqīsì zěnmeyàn
nín xiǎng lái cānjiā hěnmáng
xīngqī’èr de wǎnyàn ma What about Thur
Sorry. I’m busy on Tuesday.
Would you like to come
for dinner on Tuesday?
96 WEEK 9 H E A LT H

dá àn FÙXÍ YǓ LIÀNXÍ dá àn
Answers Cover with flap Answers Cov
Review and repeat
The body The body (4 minutes) Clothing (3 minutes) Clothing
❶头 Name the numbered ❶ head Say the Chinese words for the numbered items ❶ 夹克衫
tóu body parts in Chinese. of clothing. jiákèshān
❷ arm ❶ jacket
❷ 手臂 chest ❸ ❷ 领带
shǒubì lǐngdài
❸胸 ❸ 裤子
xiōng kùzi
stomach ❹ tie ❷
❹腹 ❹ 鞋子
fù xiézi
❺腿 ❺ 裤袜
tuǐ kùwà
leg ❺
❻膝 ❻ 裙子
xī ❻ skirt qúnzi
❼脚 knee ❻
jiǎo pants ❸

❺ pantyhose
foot ❼

shoes ❹

How to use the flap On the phone On the phone (4 minutes) At the doctor’s (4 minutes) At the d

The book’s cover flaps allow ❶ 请给我接王先生


的电话。
You are arranging an appointment. Follow the
conversation, replying in Chinese following
Say these phrases in Chinese.
❶ I have a pain in my leg.
❶ 我腿疼。
wǒ tuǐ téng

you to conceal the Chinese so


qǐng gěiwǒ jiē wáng the English prompts. ❷ 严重吗?
xiānsheng de diànhuà ❷ Is it serious?
wéi, wǒ shì zǒngjī yánzhòng m
❷ 我是大通印刷厂 ❸ I have a heart condition.
❶ I’d like to speak to ❸ 我有心脏病

that you can test whether you


的杰克•亨特
Mr. Wang. ❹ Will it hurt? wǒ yǒu xīn
wǒ shì dàtōng yìnshuā
chǎng de jiékè-hēngtè nín shì shéi ya ❺ I’m pregnant. ❹ 疼吗?
téng ma

have remembered correctly.


❸ 我可以给他留言吗? ❷ I’m Jack Hunt of
wǒ kěyǐ gěitā Tatong Printing. ❺ 我怀孕了。
liúyán ma duìbuqǐ, diànhuà wǒ huáiyùn
❹ 会议不是星期四。 zhànxiàn
huìyì búshì xīngqīsì ❸ Can I leave a message?
❺ 谢谢你。 dāngrán
xièxie nǐ ❹ The meeting isn’t

Revision pages on Tuesday.


hěnhǎo

A recap of selected elements


❺ Thank you.

of previous lessons helps to


reinforce your knowledge.
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK 5

LEISURE AND SOCIALIZING 12 3


Instructions
Each exercise is numbered
Words to remember (3 minutes)
and introduced with
Familiarize yourself with these words and test yourself using the flap. instructions. In some
party
东道主
dōngdàozhǔ
晚会
wǎnhuì cases, more information is
host
invitation 邀请
given about the language
客人
kèrén
yāoqǐng point being covered.
guest gift 礼物
lǐwù

Read it
Read it You now know the principle of how the These panels explain
Chinese script works and can recognize some basic how the Chinese script
recurring characters. You’ll also find more information
on pp.152–57 to further expand your understanding. T R Aworks,
V E L show 43useful
signs, and give tips for
Put into practice (2 minutes) deciphering Chinese
Useful phrases (4 minutes)
Join in this conversation.
characters.
我们星期日有一个 好,那太好了。
Learn these phrases and thenwǒmen
testxīngqīrì
yourselfyǒu yīgè using the cover flap.
晚会。你能来吗? hǎo, nà tài hǎo le

wǎnhuì. nǐ néng lái ma Read it


We are having a party
on Saturday. Are you
I’d like a taxi to 请给我叫出租车去东
Chinese takes
Dongdan, please.
free to come? 单,好吗? basic concepts
Say: Yes, how nice! qǐng gěiwǒand
jiàocombines
chūzūchē
them
那太好了。 我们几点钟来呢? qù dōngdān, hǎo different
to make ma
hat it’s nà tài hǎo le wǒmen jǐdiǎnzhōng lái ne meanings, e.g.
That’s great!
e host 谢谢你的邀请。 飞机 fēijī plane
home xièxie nǐde yāoqǐng Say: At what time
Thank you for should we arrive?
( flying 飞 fēi +
inviting us.
What time is the next bus machine 机 jī);
下一趟去机场的公共
火车 huǒchē train
to the airport? 汽车几点发车? ( fire 火 huǒ +
xiàyītàng qù jīchǎng
vehicle 车 chē).de
gōnggòng qìchē jǐ diǎn
fāchē

How do you get to the 去颐和园怎么走?


Summer Palace? qù yíhéyuán zěnme zǒu
好,那太好了。 请带你的先生一起来。 我们几点钟来呢?
ng hǎo, nà tài hǎo le qǐng dài nǐde xiānsheng wǒmen jǐdiǎnzhōng lái ne
yīqǐ lái Text styles
rsday? Yes, how nice! At what time should
Please bring your husband. we come? Chinese script and
pinyin pronunciation
H 97

are included, as well as


Please wait for me. 请等等我。
ver with flap
the English translation.
g qǐng děngdeng wǒ

In conversation
Illustrated dialogues
reflecting how
vocabulary and
phrases are used in
Culturaleveryday
tip situations Say it Say it (2 minutes)
In these exercises,
doctor’s

g
Beijing and Shanghai
appear throughout you are asked to
ma

have extensive metro I’d like to go to the


病。
nzàng bìng the book. apply the vocabulary
。 systems. Station names you have learned in Summer Palace, please.
n le

can be recognized by a different contexts. I’d like a taxi to the


sign (as shown here), in Forbidden City.
both pinyin and Chinese.
How do you get
Fares are very reasonable.
to Dongdan?

In conversation: bus (2 minutes)


6 HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

Dictionary 13 8 DICTIONARY

A mini-dictionary provides DICTIONARY


ready reference from English English to Chinese
This dictionary contains the vocabulary from 15 Minute Chinese, together with
to Chinese for 2,500 words. many other high-frequency words. You can also find additional terms for food
and drink in the Menu Guide (pp.128–37).
In Chinese, the plural of nouns is normally the same as the singular. Chinese
descriptive words, or adjectives, may have different endings depending on how they
are used and are also often preceded by hěn (very). Verbs have no tenses and don’t
generally change according to who or what is the subject; but there are some
characters that can be added to indicate a particular time or mood—see p.112.
128 MENU GUIDE MENU GUIDE

A always zǒngshì associate professor (college)


MENU GUIDE a (one) yīgè
am: I am wǒ shì dàxué jiǎngshī
This guide lists the most common terms you may asthma xiàochuǎnbìng
America měiguó
encounter on Chinese menus. Dishes are divided into accident shìgù
American (person) at zài
categories and the Chinese script is displayed clearly accountant kuàijìshī
to help you identify items on a menu. měiguó rén at the café zài kāfēi guǎn
ache téng
and hé attic gélóu
actor yǎnyuán
animal dòngwù ATM zìdòng tíkuǎnjī
adapter (plug)
another (different) lìng yīgè attractive mírénde
zhuǎnjiē chātóu
(further) yòu yīgè August bāyuè
address dìzhǐ aunt (maternal) yímā
anniversary zhōunián
adhesive bandages (paternal) gūmā
answering machine liúyánjī
chuàngkětiē Australia àodàlìyà
antibiotics kàngshēngsù
admission: admission
Rice and noodle dishes charge ménpiàofèi
antique store gǔdǒngdiàn
antiseptic fángfǔjì
Australian (adj.) àodàlìyàdè
awful zāotòule
admission ticket ménpiào anything: anything else?
miàntiáo 面条 noodles after yǐhòu háiyào qítā shípǐn ma?
B
Menu guide
afternoon xiàwǔ apartment gōngyù, dānyuán
mǐfàn 米饭 rice again zài apple píngguǒ baby yīng’ér

Use this guide


agenda huìyì rìchéng appointment book yuēhuì baby wipes yīng’ér cāxǐjīn
nuòmǐ 糯米 sticky rice air conditioning kōngtiáo shū back (body) bèi
air mail hángkōng yóujiàn
as a reference for chǎofàn 炒饭 fried rice
airport jīchǎng, fēijīchǎng
April sìyuè
architecture (study)
back street hòujiē
backpack bēibāo
alarm clock nàozhōng
identifying popular dànchǎofàn 蛋炒饭 fried rice with egg
alcohol jiǔjīng
jiànzhùxué
are: you are nǐ shì
bad huài
bag (for purchases, etc.)
chǎomiàn all suǒyǒu
Chinese dishes.
炒面 fried noodles we are wǒmen shì sùliàodài
all the streets they are tāmen shì baggage xíngli
chǎomǐfěn 炒米粉 fried rice noodles suǒyǒu de jiēdào arm shǒubì, gēbo bakery miànbāolèi, miànbāodiàn
that’s all, thanks arrival dàodá balcony yángtái
zhōu 粥 rice porridge hǎole, xièxie arrive dàodá ball qiú
allergic guòmǐn art yìshù bamboo zhúzi
almost chàbuduō ashtray yānhuīgāng bamboo shoots zhúsǔn
alone dāndú asleep: he’s asleep banana xiāngjiāo
Basic food items already yǐ jing tā shuìzháo le band (music) yuèduì
also yě ask wèn bandage bēngdài
chūnjuǎn 春卷 spring rolls

dòushābāo 豆沙包 steamed dumplings


with sweet bean
paste filling

huājuǎn 花卷 steamed rolls

mántou 馒头 steamed bread

Pinyin pronunciation guide


The Chinese taught in this book is Mandarin Chinese, the main language of the
People's Republic of China (PRC). The pronunciation is written in pinyin, the official
romanization system used in PRC schools. Most pinyin spellings reflect the nearest
equivalent sound in English, but some letters sound different:
a pinyin x is pronounced like sh as in “ship”
a pinyin c is pronounced like ts as in “sits”
a pinyin z is pronounced like ds as in “kids”
a pinyin q is pronounced like ch as in “chin”
a pinyin zh is pronounced like j as in “just”
a pinyin ü is a u pronounced with rounded lips, like “few” in English or
“über” in German
Mandarin Chinese has four “tones”, which affect the way a word is pronounced.
Each syllable is pronounced with one of four tones: high, rising, falling–rising, and
falling. These tones can be written as accents on the pinyin pronunciation, but
you need to listen to and mimic native speakers to master them. Use the 15 Minute
Mandarin Chinese audio CDs to practise your pronunciation, and the written
pinyin as a memory aid.
HOW TO USE THE AUDIO APP 7

How to use the audio app


All the numbered exercises in each your 15-minute lessons using the book
lesson, apart from the Warm-ups at only, and then go back and work with
the beginning and the Say it exercises the audio and the book together,
at the end, have recorded audio, available repeating the text in the gaps provided
via a free app. The app also includes a and then recording yourself. Or you can
function to record yourself and listen combine the book and the audio right
to yourself alongside native speakers. from the beginning, pausing the app to
To start using the audio with the read the instructions on the page as you
book, first download the DK 15 Minute need to. Try to say the words aloud, and
Language Course app on your smart– practice enunciating properly. Detailed
phone or tablet from the App Store or instructions on how to use the app are
Google Play. Open the app and type in available from the menu bar in the app.
the book’s ISBN (see page 1) to add it to Remember that repetition is vital
your Library. As soon as the ISBN is to language learning. The more
recognized, the audio will download. often you listen to a conversation or
There are two ways in which you can repeat an oral exercise, the more the
use the audio. The first is to read through language will sink in.

Menu, Help/How
to Use, Your Library
Getting started Lessons week
CHINESE 1 The list of weeks
CHINESE 2 by week
will open when Shíjiān hé shùzì
Time and Numbers
Each numbered
the audio has been exercise in a lesson
downloaded. From is listed in the app
here you can tap into as it appears in the
each week’s lessons. book. Tap on an
exercise to start.

When all the lessons A check mark


in a week have been indicates when
completed, the week an exercise has been
button will be filled completed.
with color and
show a check mark,
so you can track
your progress.

Audio for Record yourself


3 exercises
CHINESE 4 When you are in
Tap the play button Shíjiān hé shùzì
Time and Numbers
the Your recordings Shíjiān hé shùzì
Time and Numbers
to hear instructions, screen, you can
then the exercise. record yourself
You can pause the 1点
reading the words or 1点
audio at any point, yīdiǎn
one o’clock
participating in the yīdiǎn
one o’clock
and return to it. 1点5分 conversations with 1点5分
yīdiǎn wǔfēn yīdiǎn wǔfēn
five past one native speakers, then five past one
1点一刻
yīdiǎn yīkè listen back (and 1点一刻
yīdiǎn yīkè
quarter past one quarter past one
1点20分
rerecord if desired). 1点20分
yīdiǎn èrshífēn yīdiǎn èrshífēn
You can tap any twenty past one twenty past one

part of the exercise 1点半 1点半


yīdiǎn bàn
half past one Add recording yīdiǎn bàn
half past one
to play the audio 1点三刻 1点三刻
from that point. yīdiǎn sānkè Play recording yīdiǎn sānkè
quarter to two quarter to two
8 WEEK 1

Warm-up (1 minute) NǏHǍO


The warm-up panel Hello
appears at the beginning
Chinese gǒngshǒu is famous: cupping one hand in the
of each topic. Use it to
reinforce what you have
other in front of the chest, which is often accompanied
already learned and to with nodding or a slight bow. Traditionally, there
prepare yourself for would not be any contact in the form of a handshake
moving ahead with or kisses, although this is changing with the increasing
the new subject. Western influence.

你好。
Words to remember (6 minutes) nǐhǎo
Hello!
Say these expressions aloud. Hide the text on the
left with the cover flap and try to remember the
Chinese for each. Check your answers.

早上好。 Good morning.


zǎoshàng hǎo
晚上好。 Good evening.
wǎnshàng hǎo
我的名字是... My name is…
wǒde míngzì shì…
很高兴认识你。 Pleased to
hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ meet you.
再见。 Goodbye.
zàijiàn
晚安。 Good night.
wǎn‘ān
明天见。 See you tomorrow.
míngtiān jiàn

In conversation: formal (3 minutes)

你好,我的名字是韩红。 你好,我的名字是 很高兴认识你。


nǐhǎo, wǒde míngzì shì 罗伯特•巴克尔 hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ
hánhóng nǐhǎo, wǒde míngzì shì
luóbótè-bākèěr Pleased to meet you.
Hello. My name is
Han Hong. Hello. My name is
Robert Barker.
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INTRODUCTIONS 9

Put into practice (2 minutes)


Join in this conversation. Read the Chinese beside the pictures on the left and then
follow the instructions to make your reply. Test yourself by concealing the answers
with the cover flap.
晚上好。 晚上好。
wǎnshàng hǎo wǎnshàng hǎo
Good evening.
Say: Good evening.

我的名字是严俊盟。 很高兴认识你。
wǒde míngzì shì hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ
yánjùnméng
My name is Yan Junmeng.
Say: Pleased to
meet you.

Conversational tip
The Chinese usually introduce themselves using either
just the family name—e.g. Han—or the family name
followed by the given name—Han Hong. But they are
used to hearing Western names the other way: Robert
Barker. It’s not common to ask someone their name
directly, so listen carefully to the introductions.
When talking to or about others in an informal situation,
xiǎo or lǎo is often added in front of their family name,
depending on whether they are perceived to be younger
or older than you. For example, if Han Hong appears
younger or more junior, you’d call her/him xiǎo hán;
if older or more senior, lǎo hán is used to show respect.

In conversation: informal (3 minutes)

明天见。 好,明天见。 再见。


míngtiān jiàn hǎo, míngtiān jiàn zàijiàn
See you tomorrow. Yes, see you tomorrow. Goodbye.
10 WEEK 1

Warm-up (1 minute) WǑDE JIĀTÍNG


Say “hello” and “goodbye” My family
in Chinese. (pp.8–9)
Chinese has two sets of vocabulary for many family
Now say “My name is….” members, depending on whether you are talking
(pp.8–9) about your own or someone else’s. This lesson
Say “Pleased to meet focuses on speaking about your own family. There’s
you.” (pp.8–9) often no need for a separate word meaning my: bàba
means my father, gēge my big brother, etc.

Match and repeat (5 minutes)


Look at the numbered family members in this scene and match them with
the vocabulary list at the side. Read the Chinese words aloud. Now, hide the
list with the cover flap and test yourself.
❶ 奶奶 ❶ my grandmother ❸ my father
nǎinai
❷ 爷爷 ❷ my grandfather
yéye
❸ 爸爸
bàba
❹ 妈妈
māma
❺ 儿子
érzi
❻ 女儿
nǚ‘ér

❻ my daughter ❹ my mother

❺ my son

Conversational tip Chinese distinguishes between little and big sister


or brother. You will find all the relevant words in section 4. The phrase
xiōngdì jiěmèi (siblings) is used to refer to your brothers and sisters as a
group: wǒ yǒu sì gè xiōngdì jiěmèi (I have four siblings).
INTRODUCTIONS 11

Words to remember: numbers (4 minutes)


Memorize these words and then test one 一个
yourself using the cover flap. yī gè
The Chinese use a system of two 两个
“classifiers” to count specific things. liǎng gè
These vary with the nature of what three 三个
is being counted. The numbers sān gè
opposite use the near-universal
classifier 个 gè. You can use this four 四个
classifier when talking about your sì gè
family, but it’s useful to recognize five 五个
another classifier 人 rén used wǔ gè
for people. (Note the alternative
six 六个
character 二 èr used for the liù gè
number “two.”)
seven 七个
一人 yī rén 1 person qī gè
二人 èr rén 2 people eight 八个
bā gè
三人 sān rén 3 people
四人 sì rén 4 people nine 九个
jiǔ gè
五人 wǔ rén 5 people
ten 十个
六人 liù rén 6 people shí gè
七人 qī rén 7 people
eleven 十一个
八人 bā rén 8 people shíyī gè
九人 jiǔ rén 9 people
twelve 十二个
十人 shí rén 10 people shí‘èr gè

Words to remember: relatives (5 minutes)


妻 夫 Look at these words and say them aloud. Hide the text
qī fū on the right with the cover flap and try to remember the
my wife my husband
Chinese. Check your answers and repeat, if necessary.
Then practice the phrases below.
my big sister/ 姐姐 / 妹妹
my little sister jiějie/mèimei
my big brother/ 哥哥 / 弟弟
my little brother gēge/dìdi
my siblings 兄弟姐妹
xiōngdì jiěmèi
This is my wife. 这是我的妻子。
zhè shì wǒde
qīzi
我们是夫妻。 I have four children. 我有四个孩子。
wǒmen shì fūqī wǒ yǒu sìgè háizi
We’re married.
(“We’re husband and wife.”) I have three 我有三个女儿。
daughters. wǒ yǒu sāngè nǚ’ér
12 WEEK 1

Warm-up (1 minute) NǏDE JIĀTÍNG


Say the Chinese for as Your relatives
many members of (your
Chinese pronouns are straightforward: I or me is wǒ,
own) family as you can.
(pp.10–11)
you is nǐ (or the more formal nín), and he/she or him/
her is tā. The plural equivalents are made by adding
Say “I have two sons.” -men: we wǒmen, you (plural) nǐmen, they tāmen; and
(pp.10–11) the possessives by adding -de: my/mine wǒ-de, your/
yours nǐ-de, their/theirs tāmen-de, etc.

Words to remember (5 minutes)


Here are the more respectful terms used to refer to someone else’s family,
or sometimes to your own in more formal situations.
母亲 mother
mǔqīn
父亲 father
fùqīn
儿子 son
érzi
女儿 daughter
nǚ’ér
妻子 wife
qīzi
丈夫 husband
zhàngfu
孩子 children
háizi
兄弟姐妹 siblings
xiōngdì jiěmèi

这是你的母亲吗?
zhè shì nǐde mǔqīn ma
Is this your mother?

In conversation (4 minutes)

这是你的丈夫吗? 是的。这是我的父亲。 你有孩子吗?


zhè shì nǐde zhàngfu ma shìde. zhè shì wǒde fùqīn nǐ yǒu háizi ma
Is this your husband? That’s right. And this is Do you have any children?
my father.
INTRODUCTIONS 13

Conversational tip Forming a question in Chinese is


straightforward. Generally, you add the question marker ma
(吗) to the end of a sentence: nà shì nǐ-de érzi (That’s your
son); nà shì nǐ-de érzi ma? (Is that your son?). In very
informal spoken Chinese, the question marker is sometimes
even dropped: nà shì nǐ-de érzi?

Useful phrases (3 minutes)


Read these phrases aloud several times and try to memorize them. Conceal the
Chinese with the cover flap and test yourself.
Do you have any 您有兄弟姐妹吗?
siblings? (formal) nín yǒu xiōngdì jiěmèi ma

Do you have any 你有兄弟姐妹吗?


siblings? (informal) nǐ yǒu xiōngdì jiěmèi ma

Is this your 这是你爸爸吗?


father? zhè shì nǐ bàba ma

Is that your son? (formal) 那是您的儿子吗?


nà shì nínde érzi ma

This is Han Hong’s 这是韩红的女儿。


daughter. zhè shì hánhóng de nǚ‘ér

Is that your little sister? 那是你的妹妹吗?


(informal) nà shì nǐde mèimei ma

Say it (2 minutes)
Is this your wife?
Is that your little
brother?
Do you have a son?
(informal)
This is Han Hong’s
mother.
没有。但我有一个妹妹。
méi yǒu. dàn wǒ yǒu yīgè
mèimei
No, but I have a
little sister.
14 WEEK 1

Warm-up (1 minute) SHÌ/YǑU


Say “See you tomorrow.” To be/to have
(pp.8–9)
The most common verb in Chinese is shì, meaning
Say “We’re married” is, are, or am. The i is pronounced only slightly, often
(pp.10–11) and making the word sound more like shuh. shì does not
“Is this your wife?” change with the subject (I, he, we, etc.): wǒ shì luóbótè
(pp.12–13) (I’m Robert), tā shì yīshēng (He/she is a doctor),
wǒ-men shì zhōngguó rén (We’re Chinese).

Useful phrases with shÌ (2 minutes)


Notice that nationalities are expressed by using the name of the country followed
by 人 rén (person/people): zhōngguó rén Chinese (literally “China land person/
people”), měiguó rén American (“America land person/people”).

我是中国人。 I’m Chinese.


wǒ shì zhōngguó rén

现在是10点钟。 It’s ten o’clock.


xiànzài shì shí diǎnzhōng

你是医生吗? Are you a doctor?


nǐ shì yīshēng ma

韩红是学生。 Han Hong is a student.


hánhóng shì xuéshēng

Read it
It’s not as difficult to begin deciphering the Chinese
script as it may appear. 15 Minute Mandarin Chinese
shows “simplified” characters as used in mainland
China. These characters consist of a number of strokes
ranging from one to more than twenty (一, 二, 三, 四;
one, two, three, four, etc.), similar to how an English word
is made up of a number of letters. Some basic concepts
are represented by a single character—e.g. 我 wǒ (I/me),
人 rén (person)—and these are the common characters
you can learn to recognize first. Many other concepts
are represented by a combination of characters, e.g. 英
国人 yīng-guó rén (ying-land person, i.e. English). You’ll
find more details on pp.152–59. 我是英国人。
wǒ shì yīngguó rén
I’m English.
INTRODUCTIONS 15

Useful phrases: talking about what you have (5 minutes)


An informal and straightforward way to talk about possession is to use the expression
有 yǒu, meaning have or has. Learn these phrases and then test yourself by concealing
the answers with the cover flap.
I have three children. 我有三个孩子。
wǒ yǒu sāngè háizi

My son has a car. 我的儿子有车。


wǒde érzi yǒu chē

I have a little sister. 我有一个妹妹。


wǒ yǒu yīgè mèimei

你有名片吗? Do you have any 你有孩子吗?


nǐ yǒu míngpiàn ma children? nǐ yǒu háizi ma
Do you have a business card?

Negatives (3 minutes)
There are two principal ways to make a negative sentence in Chinese: by using the
negative markers 不 bú or 没 méi in front of a verb. bú is often used with shì, and
méi with yǒu.
We’re not American. 我们不是美国人。
wǒmen búshì měiguó rén

I don’t have a car. 我没有车。


wǒ méi yǒu chē

Put into practice (4 minutes)


Join in this conversation. Read the Chinese beside the pictures on the left and
then follow the instructions to make your reply. Then test yourself by concealing
the answers with the cover flap.
晚上好。 晚上好,我是罗伯特。
wǎnshàng hǎo wǎnshàng hǎo, wǒ
Good evening. shì luóbótè
Say: Good evening.
I’m Robert.

很高兴认识你。 你有名片吗?
hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ nǐ yǒu míngpiàn ma
Pleased to meet you.
Ask: Do you have a
business card?
16 WEEK 1

dá àn FÙXÍ YǓ LIÀNXÍ
Answers Cover with flap
Review and repeat
How many? How many? (2 minutes)
❶三 Hide the answers with the cover flap. Then say these
sān Chinese numbers aloud. Check that you have
❷九 remembered the Chinese correctly.
jiǔ

❸四 ❷

❹二
èr ❶
❺八

❻十 ❹ ❺ ❻
shí
❼五

❽七


❾六 ❾
liù ❽

Hello Hello (4 minutes)


❶ 你好,我的名字 You meet someone in a formal situation. Join in
是… the conversation, replying in Chinese following the
nǐhǎo, wǒde míngzì English prompts.
shì…
nǐhǎo, wǒde míngzì shì Yan Junmeng
❷ 很高兴认识你。 ❶ Answer the greeting and give your name.
hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ
zhè shì wǒde qīzi
❸ 我有三个儿子。 ❷ Say “Pleased to meet you.”
你有孩子吗?
wǒ yǒu sāngè érzi. nǐ yǒu háizi ma
nǐ yǒu háizi ma ❸ Say “I have three sons. Do you have any children?”
❹ 再见。 méi yǒu. dàn wǒ yǒu yīgè dìdi
zàijiàn ❹ Say “Goodbye.”
INTRODUCTIONS 17

dá àn
Answers Cover with flap

Be or have (5 minutes) Be or have


Fill in the blanks with shì (to be) or yǒu (to have). Then ❶是
check your answers carefully. shì
❶ wǒ zhōngguó rén ❷有
yǒu
❷ wǒ sāngè érzi
❸是
❸ wǒmen yīngguó rén shì
❹ Sarah yīshēng ❹是
❺ nǐ háizi ma shì
❻ tā bú xuéshēng ❺有
yǒu
❼ wǒde míngzì
Han Hong ❻是
shì
❽ wǒmen méi
chē ❼是
shì
❽有
yǒu

Family (4 minutes) Family


Say the Chinese for each of the numbered family ❶ 奶奶
members. Check your answers carefully. nǎinai
❷ 爷爷
yéye
❶ my grandmother ❸ my father
❸ 爸爸
❷ my grandfather bàba
❹ 女儿
nǚ’ér
❺ 儿子
érzi
❻ 妈妈
māma

❹ my daughter ❻ my mother
❺ my son
18 WEEK 2

Warm-up (1 minute) ZÀI KĀFĒI TĪNG


Count up to ten. In the café
(pp.10–11)
You will find different types of cafés in China:
Remind yourself how there are traditional types, which are called
to say “hello” and cháguǎn; and Western-style coffee houses,
“goodbye.” (pp.8–9) simply called kāfēi tīng. These modern
Ask “Do you have cafés are very popular, particularly among
any children?” (pp.14–15) young Chinese.

Words to remember (5 minutes) 奶茶


nǎichá
tea with
Look at the words below and say them out loud a few milk
times. Conceal the Chinese with the cover flap and try
to remember each one in turn. Also practice the words
on the right.
绿茶 green tea
lǜchá
红茶 red tea
hóngchá
花茶 jasmine tea
huāchá
三明治 sandwich
sānmíngzhì

Cultural tip The generic word for tea is chá. Three


popular types are lǜchá (green tea—popular in eastern
China), hóngchá (red tea—southern China), and huāchá
( jasmine tea—northern China).

In conversation (4 minutes)

请给我一杯咖啡。 还要其它食品吗? 有蛋糕吗?


qǐng gěiwǒ yībēi kāfēi háiyào qítā shípǐn ma yǒu dàngāo ma
I’d like a coffee. Anything else? Do you have any cakes?
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E AT I N G A N D D R I N K I N G 19

Useful phrases (5 minutes)


Learn these phrases. Read the English under the
蛋糕 pictures and say the phrase in Chinese as shown
dàngāo on the right. Then cover up the answers on the
cake right and test yourself.
请给我一杯咖啡。
qǐng gěiwǒ yībēi kāfēi

I’d like a coffee.

还要其它食品吗?
háiyào qítā shípǐn ma


táng Anything else?
sugar
还要一块蛋糕。
háiyào yīkuài dàngāo

A cake, too, please.

咖啡 多少钱?
kāfēi duōshǎo qián
coffee

How much is that?

有,当然有。 还要一块蛋糕。多少钱? 50元...谢谢你。


yǒu, dāngrán yǒu háiyào yīkuài dàngāo. wǔshí yuán ...xièxie nǐ
duōshǎo qián
Yes, certainly. That’s 50 yuan…
A cake, too, please. thank you.
How much is that?
20 WEEK 2

Warm-up (1 minute) ZÀI CĀNGUǍN


Say “A coffee, please.” In the restaurant
(pp.18–19)
There are different types of places to eat in China.
Say “I don’t have a car.” You can find snacks or a light meal at street stalls.
(pp.14–15) A fànguǎn serves traditional Chinese food.
Ask “Do you have any Department stores often house relaxed cāntīng
cakes?” (pp.18–19) (canteens) on the upper floors, open until about 10 p.m.
and serving both international and Chinese dishes.
hand towel ❼
Words to remember (3 minutes)
❺ spoon
Familiarize yourself with these words and
test yourself using the flap.
菜单 menu
càidān
酒水单 wine list
jiǔshuǐdān
头盘 appetizers
tóupán
主食 entrées
zhǔshí
甜点 desserts
tiándiǎn
早餐 breakfast
zǎocān
午餐 lunch
wǔcān
晚餐 dinner
wǎncān

❹ fork ❻ chopsticks

In conversation (4 minutes)

请给我们安排一张四人餐 你们有预订吗? 有。是巴克尔预订的。


桌。 nǐmen yǒu yùdìng ma yǒu. shì bākèěr yùdìng de
qǐng gěiwǒmen ānpái
yīzhāng sìréncānzhuō Do you have a reservation? Yes, I do. In the name
of Barker.
We’d like a table for four.
E AT I N G A N D D R I N K I N G 21

glass ❶
Match and repeat (5 minutes)
Look at the numbered items in
this table setting and match them
with the Chinese words on the right.
Read the Chinese words aloud. Now,
conceal the Chinese with the cover
flap and test yourself.
❶ 酒杯
jiǔbēi
❷碗
wǎn
bowl ❷
❸ 餐碟
cāndié
❹ 叉子
chāzi
❺ 调羹
tiáogēng
❻ 筷子
kuàizi
❼ 毛巾
máojīn

Useful phrases (2 minutes)


Practice these phrases and then test yourself using the
cover flap to conceal the Chinese.
What type of noodles 你们供应哪些面条?
do you have? nǐmen gōngyìng nǎxiē
miàntiáo

Where can I pay? 在哪儿付钱?


zài nǎr fùqián
plate ❸

您想坐在哪里? 靠窗坐。 好吧,这边请。


nín xǐang zuòzài nǎlǐ kào chuāng zuò hǎoba. zhèbiān qǐng
Where would you like Near a window, please. Very well. Here you are.
to sit?
22 WEEK 2

Warm-up (1 minute) CÀIYÁO


Say “We’re married” Dishes
(pp.10–11) and “I’m
A typical meal in China consists of rice and a soup,
English.” (pp.14–15)
together with a variety of fish, meat, and vegetable
Ask “Do you have any dishes. The meal is served with pickles and other
siblings?” (pp.12–13) condiments, such as raw scallions and chili sauce,
Say “A sandwich, please.” depending on the region. Alcohol is consumed
(pp.18–19) before the rice or noodles are served.

Cultural tip Taocan (set menus) are popular, particularly


at lunchtime. These consist of a soup, rice, pickles, and other
dishes—all presented on a tray. gàijiāofàn (rice with toppings)
are a simpler alternative.

Match and repeat (4 minutes)


Look at the numbered items and match them to the
Chinese words in the panel on the left.
❶ 水果
shuǐguǒ
fruit ❶
❷ 蔬菜
shūcài
❸ 面条
miàntiáo
❹ 海鲜
hǎixiān
❺汤 ❽ mushrooms
tāng rice ❾
❻肉
ròu
❼鱼

❽ 蘑菇
mógu
❾ 米饭
mǐfàn ❺ soup

fish ❼ ❻ meat
E AT I N G A N D D R I N K I N G 23

Words to remember: cooking methods (3 minutes)


Familiarize yourself with these words.
fried 炒
chǎo
grilled 烧
shāo
roasted 烤
kǎo
boiled 煮
zhǔ
steamed 蒸
zhēng
raw 生吃
你们供应哪些肉?
shēngchī
nǐmen gōngyìng nǎxiē ròu
What type of meat
do you have?

Say it (2 minutes) Words to remember: drinks (3 minutes)


What’s “Nuomi”? Familiarize yourself with these words.
I’d like a baijiu. water 水
shuǐ
What type of fish do
you have? mineral water 矿泉水
kuàngquánshuǐ
❷ vegetables “baijiu” (Chinese 白酒
liquor/spirit) báijiǔ
wine 葡萄酒
pútáojiǔ
beer 啤酒
píjiǔ
fruit juice 果汁
guǒzhī

noodles ❸ Useful phrases (2 minutes)


Practice these phrases and then test yourself.
I’d like a beer. 请给我一杯啤酒。
qǐng gěiwǒ yībēi píjiǔ
I’m vegetarian. 我是素食者。
wǒ shì sùshízhě
I’m allergic to nuts. 我对坚果过敏。
wǒ duì jiānguǒ guòmǐn
What’s “Qianzhang”? 什么是千张?
shénme shì qiānzhāng
❹ seafood
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Wonder of the World, notwithstanding many rude and unskilful
Fellows, will upon this saying, shrink up their Noses, and audaciously
contradict me (and say) that Nitre is not the true and Universal
Dissolvent.
But if Nitre be not that Universal Subject, then let those that prate
against this Judgment or Opinion of mine, produce another and
better Subject; which, yet, in my Opinion they will never be able to
do. If it were not an Universal Subject, how comes it to be so
plentifully found to be in all things. Is it not found in all Vegetables?
Is it not in all living Creatures that live either under the Earth, or in
the Waters, or in the Air, or on the Earth? Is it not met with (or
found) in the inmost Bowels of the Mountains, and even in the most
hard Stones? I will demonstrate it in this small Treatise by most clear
Arguments, and will most evidently evince it.
In the first place, that all Vegetables have it, is already clearly
demonstrated and proved, for I my self (and I am the first, as I
know of) made trial and turned their Juices into natural Salt-petre.
But I will now so evidently shew the truth of this thing, that even
those blind Back-biters and Detracters shall feel it with their hands.
In the first place therefore, I demand, whence the common Nitre
is gotten? Is it not out of the Earth, which is digg’d out of the
Stables where Beasts stand? For it has insinuated it self into (or
joined it self with) this (Earth) passing out of the Excrements of the
Beasts in length of time, and hath coagulated it self therein, out of
which it is at length drawn by pouring on of water, and then is boiled
up into Salt-petre. Who can deny this? I think no body can. So then
if this be granted, that Nitre is found in the Stables where Cattle
stand, the Question is, By what means, and way it came into the
Stables? It is by the help of the Urine and Excrements which the
Beasts have there cast forth. Then again, I ask whether or no those
Beasts have those Excrements from their Meat and Drink, or from
elsewhere? They cannot arise from water, forasmuch as they drink
nothing but Water: So that they must necessarily have their rise
from the food they eat, and that consists of the Vegetables, Grass,
and Herbs. Therefore we affirm, that the Salt-petre was of necessity
in these Herbs, and Grass, afore the Beasts feeding on them. For if it
had not been there it could never have been made in the Beasts
Bodies that which it was not afore. For their Stomachs contribute
nothing to this Operation, save a bare putrefaction. And besides, the
Countreymen do even the same thing, for they gather up Stubble,
the Leaves that fall from the Trees, the Grass, and such like things,
and put a great quantity of them into a Pit together, and there leave
them so long, till by the help of Putrefaction they are all turned into
Dung, and therewith do they afterwards Dung their Ground (in such
wise) as is wont to be done with the Excrements of Beasts.
Therefore, forasmuch as that putrefied Grass and Stubble doth dung
the ground and render it fruitful, (as well) as the Excrements of
Beasts, it must needs be granted, that they have likewise Salt-petre
in them. For it is not the Dung, but the Nitre in the Dung, that is, the
Author of that Dunging Impregnation and Fertility, as I have already
confirmed by Arguments in my Miraculum Mundi, and which will be
sufficiently convincing proofs here in this place.
I would therefore fain see that Man that dares be so bold and
heady as to deny this thing, that the Essential Salt neither is, nor
can be made, Nitre.
And now we come to treat of the Beasts in the Fields, of the Fish
in the Waters, and of the Birds in the Air, that so by a thorough
examination of all these sorts we may see, whether or no they are
enriched with Salt-petre, and whether or no their Essential Salt be
like the Essential Salt of the Vegetables, and can by the same means
pass into Nitre.
In the first place, and above all, this is here to be considered, as a
main principle, (viz.) That all those things which dung the Fields and
Lands, and fatten them, most necessarily contain in them Salt-petre.
For from this only, and alone, comes all the fertility throughout the
whole Earth, which Axiome cannot be gainsayed. But now, that the
Animals, or Beasts, Birds, and Fishes are Partakers of the same
Virtues, I firmly gather from hence.
First of all, it is not unusual for the Gardiners to put the Horns,
Hoofs, and Bones of Beasts, to the Roots of Trees, and so cover
them over with Earth, and that on this account, because they make
them exceeding fruitful. This now is every where used: Likewise the
Gardiners do every where buy up Hens Feathers, Hens, and
Pidgeons Dung; as also from the Tanners and Curriers the Offals or
Shavings of the Beasts Skins, and their Hairs, and use them to
enrich their Gardens. The Vine-dressers also buy up the shavings of
Horns of the Comb-makers in many places where they can get them,
by which, they fatten their Vines, far better than with Dung, and that
lasts for nine or ten years. The Gardiners do likewise buy up from
the Tailors bits, or pieces of Woollen and Linen to dung their
Gardens when they plant Colworts. If they did not find any Nitre, or
Fertility in them, to what end would they lay out their Money on so
base a Matter? To the Ignorant and Unskilful, these things may seem
wonderful and incredible, because such a kind of dunging Land is
not every where in use. He that is incredulous, let him go to Colen
on the Rhine, and there he’ll find that I have spoken nothing but the
truth. All these things do the Gardiners make use of according to
their ancient custom, for from their Predecessors learned they these
Secrets. Nor know they what other reason to alledge for their doing
this, but only tell you, that they serve exceeding well to enrich their
Fields and Vineyards.
But I do assuredly affirm, that ’tis the Nitre that is hidden in these
things, performs this effect: There is therefore far more abundance
of Salt-petre in the Superfluities (as Nails, Horns, Hair, &c.) than in
their Excrements, or Dung. And I thus prove it.
First, Because they will give you for one Sack full of the Shavings
of Horns, half an Imperial, which is as much as will buy four or five
such sacks full of Cow, or Sheeps dung.
Secondly, They will give the Tanners, or Curriers, above an
Imperial for one Cart-load of the Shavings of the Hides, whereas
with the same Money they may buy three or four Load of dung.
Rags are sold for a quarter of an Imperial. Were they not virtuous or
effectual, why should they be so dear? This here spoken, we have
proved so to be, by the customary practice of the common men only,
as Husbandmen and Gardiners. Were it lawful for me to reveal
somewhat to the purpose, I could teach how to extract out of every
hundred weight of Bones, in Beasts, Birds, and Fishes, ten pound of
Salt-petre. But this is not to be divulged.
Now it remains in the next place, to confirm, that Nitre does not
only lie hidden most plenteously in the Vegetable and Animal
Subjects, but that it may be digged, or gotten out, and prepar’d of
Stones, Rocks, Cliffs, Hollows of Mountains, and out of the plain
Field in a very many other places; and this is undeniable, for ’tis
evidently known, and if need were, I could, for witness sake, make
mention of many such Testimonies. He that is desirous of knowing
more, as touching this salt of the Earth, let him peruse the ancient
Philosophers. But forasmuch, as every one hath not those Books at
hand, and that many Men cannot understand them, I will for
Amplifications sake add yet one demonstration, to shew whence that
Nitre ariseth, which sticks on to, or swells out of those moist and old
Walls of Houses. Comes it not from the Mortar, with which the Bricks
are joined together? Not only all Stones are fit for making Calx, or
Lime of, but also all kinds of Stones, which break, or grow in the
Waters, like Drops, or Pebbles: Likewise, those stony things which
grow in the Sea, as Coral, the Pearl shells, or Mother of Pearl, and
Shell fish of all sorts, which being burnt, moulder in the Air, have in
them plenty of Nitre, and will easily yield it forth to those who have
the way of extracting it disclosed unto them. But this is not the place
to mention it in, because I have determined to treat here, of only
expressing the Juices of the Vegetables, concentrating them, and
making them gainful or profitable.
Forasmuch as we have hitherto understood (or shewn) that Nitre
or Salt-petre may be had from all things, viz. from Herbs, Wood,
fourfooted Beasts and creeping Things, from Birds in the Air, and
Fishes in the Water, yea from the very Elements themselves, as
Earth, Water, Air, and Fire; It must needs follow that it is that so
much spoken of Universal Spirit without which nothing can either be
or live: It is the begetter and destroyer of all things; in which all
things are, as I have demonstrated in my Miraculum Mundi, out of
the most ancient Philosopher Hermes. I therefore hope, that no
body will any more doubt thereof or oppose himself with a perverse
stubbornness against a truth so manifestly known. Were not the
shortness of time an impediment unto me I could most easily
produce more arguments and those too more pregnant. If any one is
minded firmly to cleave to his own stubborn perverseness, even
Hermes himself should he arise from the dead, would lose his
Labour in teaching him; and therefore let them keep their
contumacy to themselves.
We have sufficiently confirmed and that by arguments enough,
that Salt-petre is an universal Subject, and every where to be found.
Hence it may be easily believed that it may also be met with in
woods, and that more strong, more powerful, more corporal,
palpable, and visible than in any other Subject: Upon this account
therefore is it to be also sought for, and drawn forth out of them too.
But forasmuch as such an Extraction cannot be made afore that the
Juices are prest out of the Wood, out of which Juices the Nitre is to
be drawn forth, the whole Art consists in Squeezing out these Juices,
but yet by another kind of way than is done with Herbs. Therefore
the due Presses being fitted ready, I shall be able to shew him who
requesteth it at my hands (so as he does not endamage me) the
way of squeezing them. For to prostrate a work of such great
moment to every ones view, whereby those that are unworthy,
should partake of such great Secrets, and by which a thing of so
much value should be obnoxious to a common Abuse, is not verily,
either necessary, profitable, or laudable. Let not any one therefore
take it amiss, that I have so careful a regard of things so
considerable. Let it suffice, that I have detected the thing, wherein
such great Treasures have hidden themselves, which hitherto are
profitable to no body, but are easily acquirable, or to be had. Do but
look a little upon those most vast Woods of Germany, which are
stored with such mighty abundance of Trees, that wood is of no
account. There hath been none as yet that has converted them unto
their use, save a few, who in some places make Pot-ashes of the
wood they burn; and yet they have but small gains therefrom,
because they can’t have vent sufficient for as much as they could
make by their burning the wood, nor do any use them, but Soap-
boilers, and Dyers.
Besides, I never as yet saw the Man that duly attempted that
Artifice, and so administred it as to get therefrom a greater gain. For
sometimes they gather scarce an hundred weight of Pot-ashes out of
the burning of ten or twenty great Trees, and they can hardly have
above five or six Imperials for it. And now consider but the great
Labour and Sweat in burning so much Wood into Ashes, and of
boiling the Ashes into a black Salt, and then of making this Salt red
hot in peculiar Furnaces, that it may become white, green, or
blueish; all this consider’d, ’twould make a Man admire what ’tis that
could stir up those that follow this work, or order it to be done, to
suffer such a quantity of Trees to be burnt up, for so very little profit.
But what need many words? They have the wood for nothing, and
(as the Proverb runs) The half White of the Egg, is better than the
empty shell. Haply if they knew how to make any thing better, or
more profitable out of their Wood, they would not omit so to do.
How many hundred weight of wood, are they to burn afore they
have one hundred of Pot-ashes? But now if the Juices that are
squeez’d out of them were boiled into Salt-petre, they would get ten
times the profit with far less trouble.
Let us compute the case, and suppose that out of an hundred
pounds of Wood, there are squeezed forth twenty pounds of Juice,
and that from these twenty pounds of Juice, you have some 4 or 5
pounds of Nitre, and that a midling Oak or Beach will load, when
cleft, some ten Carts, and each load hold twenty hundred weight.
Now then, one hundred yielding five pound of Nitre, a load of twenty
hundred, yields an hundred pound of Nitre; the Tree that is about
ten load, yields a thousand weight.
Now we’ll put case that a hundred weight of Nitre yields twenty
Imperials, which being ten times multiplyed, makes two hundred
Imperials for ten loads, or for that one Tree divided into ten loads.
But to wave so accurate a computation, and not to extend it too
far, we will suppose a hundred of Wood to hold only three pound of
Nitre, and a load to be about twenty hundred of Wood; this load will
yield Sixty pounds of Niter, and the Tree ten loads, So there will be
Six hundred pounds of Niter. If now one hundred (of Nitre) will cost
ten Imperials, that Tree will yield sixty Imperials for the six hundred
pounds of Nitre. The smallness of the cost (in making it) makes the
labour the more profitable; nay, if by this invention of mine, the
price of Nitre should fall down, even to ten Imperials (which
notwithstanding, will not so easily come to pass) yet would the gain
thereby be great, yea ten times more than that which comes from
the Pot-ashes. But he that knows how to use this Nitre, for the
concentrating of Metals, (concerning which the three following parts
of this Book shall treat) will not have any cause of fear, that this
Nitre will lie on his hands and yield him no profit.
By what hath been said, the well-minded Reader will easily
perceive what vast treasures are oft-times before his eyes, and
through ignorance lie as yet unknown, and not used to advantage.
What man knows God’s end, in producing to light such great
Mysteries and Secrets of Nature, in this most filthy Dregs of the
World? To give thereof a Reason, we will not tire our understanding,
but give most humble thanks to God for such great mysteries that
he hath revealed for the comfort of many men, and will pray unto
him graciously to bestow on us his fatherly blessing, to the end that
we may well use such great gifts so freely bestowed.
But now if any should be of the mind that it is wholly unnecessary,
that this Art should be made publickly known, because that Gun-
powder is made of Salt-petre, and that by Gun-powder many Cities
and most strong holds are overthrown, and nothing is to be
expected thencefrom, but Slaughters and Destruction: To such, I
answer, That it was not for this end that I disclosed this most great
and most profitable Art, that by its base abuse I might help on these
horrid Calamities; but my aims have been chiefly at this, if haply any
new Foreign Enemies should invade our most dear Country (which is
a danger we seem not far off from) we might be able to receive
them with like Arms or Weapons, and by a just defence drive away
such a Calamity.
And withal, that those most thick and vast Woods being despoiled
of their thickness, may not for the time to come be a shelter for
Thieves and Robbers, as likewise for wild beasts, all which
oftentimes do much mischief.
And farther, That many thousands of Men may get their Food and
Rayment more Commodiously and more easily, and may make good
Gold and Silver from the unprofitable Wood. For by means of this
Art, thousands of moneys may be gotten in our German Countries,
without any hurt to our Neighbour. Nor is it needful to cut down any
great Tree, for the superfluous Branches or Loppings, and the
shrubby briary Underwood which is all about the Trees, and doth
chiefly afford a passage to the Stags, and hiding places to other
hurtful Creatures, will be sufficient for this kind of use or
imployment.
The other Trees that grow up aloft may be preserved to build
Houses withal, which may be employed about Hunting: And besides,
when the Trees are freed from that thickness, and have thereby a
free access of Air, they will the more easily dilate their Boughs, and
grow up taller. And then too, those wild Beasts that are profitable,
will (when such vast deal of underwood or shrubbiness is taken
away) meet with fatter pasture, and with more plenty of Grass, and
escape by having a freer Course from the pursuing Woolves, which
now they are letted from by those most thick Shrubs and Bushes.
But yet if so be that in such places in which is such a deal of Wood,
and to no man useful; a good part even of the great Trees should
likewise be cut down, and used about this Artifice of ours; yet
notwithstanding there would not arise to the Possessors thereof any
loss, but much Profit; and when all’s done, there would be yet
remaining a huge multitude of Trees. Consider I pray those most
spacious Woods the Arduenne, Ottonick, Semane, and Bohemian
Woods, and many others which the Countries in Germany are
cloathed (or environed) with.
Can it be imagined, that they can at all be lessened by the Glass
Furnaces, or the melting of Minerals and Metals.
These places that are one year bared by cutting down the Trees,
you shall see in few years covered over again, by the benefit of
nature, with new Trees; so that it cannot possibly be, that though
even a very great many Presses should be used to press the Juices
out; such a vast immenseness of Woods should be exhausted, and
make any sensible diminution of the Wood.
But now, if any one shall believe these writings of mine, and shall,
after the afore-mentioned way, set about the Concentration of Wine,
or Corn, or Wood; I do faithfully affirm unto him, that I have in this
Book openly proposed the very naked Truth, without any
disimulation, and have not omitted any thing save the revealing of
the Presses, which for certain causes I conceal.
And therefore I certifie every one, that I will not as yet divulge this
most wonderful secret, of thus-boiling Nitre out of the Juices of
Wood, or else I would have described the Press too. Besides, though
a man should even see the Press, and know how to make it, and
were ignorant of the purification and concentration of the Juices, he
would not bring the Art to effect; so that, without my instruction, the
work cannot so easily be made publickly known. And though this
seems to be a thing so mean, yet this squeezing out of the Juices of
Wood, is far beyond (or richer) than the operations on Wine or Corn.
But I doubt not but that many, well considering of this unheard of,
and very gainful Artifice, will begin to think whether or no good Nitre
may not likewise be gotten out of other Subjects easie to come by.
Now then I must methinks needs instruct these.
The common Fossile Salt, and Sea Salt may by the benefit of this
Art, be also turned into Natural Nitre; but I judge it needless to
speak more of this, for as much as that which I have already
mentioned concerning the Wood seems abundantly enough. Breifly,
God doth in all places set before our eyes His Omnipotency, where
he gives not Wood, there vouchsafes He Stones and Bones, out of
which Nitre may as well be extracted, by those that are skill’d in this
Art, as it may out of other things. And where Fire is wanting, there is
Water however. But I know that it is certain, and past all doubt, that
by the certain experience of Art, plenty of good Nitre may be made
out of Sea Water.
Now if any shall object and say; Thou affirmest that Nitre is to be
found in all places of the World, but especially in Wood and Stones;
but yet, that there are many places which have neither Wood or
Stones, & have only a Marshy Moorish Soil, which brings forth Grass
only: By what means can Nitre be there, or in what things, or what
places should it be sought for, thinkest thou there?
I answer; I have already, in what hath been said afore, confirmed,
that Nitre may be drawn in large quantity even out of Grass; but
verily there’s no such need here of so doing, to rob the beasts of
their food, and to use the Grass about Nitre-making: For the Cheese
and Butter that come from the Grass, will easily yield more than the
Nitre that’s made thereof, would; God deals not so unjustly or
unwisely with the Creatures as to give his blessings with a liberal
hand to one, and take the same away from another: No, no; The
Treasure of his Riches is inexhaustible, and he gives his Creatures
largely to partake of them; nor doth that axiome (or maxime) which
is so very usual in this perverse World, prevail at all with him, viz.
The fall of one is the rise of another; but his will is, that all should
have their necessaries abundantly supplyed, that every one should
have enough, and that every thing should come to perfection.
Therefore it is not at all necessary, that Nitre should be extracted out
of the Food which the Beasts live on, because it may easily be
extracted out of other Subjects which bring not any profit to Man or
Beast, and this in great quantity too. For in such plain low Countries
and moist watery grounds, where you shall not meet with either
Mountains or Vallies, or Stones, or Wood: The most gracious God
hath, like a provident and wise housholder provided for the
inhabitants, giving them a certain kind of earth inlaid with many
Roots and Fibers that grow therein, which the Dutch call Torf, we
Turfs, the which they use instead of Woods, to boil with, and about
other necessary uses; so that they may easily be without the wood,
which is yearly brought them in such vast quantity out of other
Countries. Now these same Turfs contain in them the like Essential
Salt as Wood does which Nitre is extracted out of.
As concerning Stones, they do not in those places shew
themselves to sight (as lying deep) if you except such as are burnt
(or Bricks) and which are brought hither to build houses withal, yet
God hath bestowed on them a matter sufficiently apt to make Lime
withal, so that they may be without, even Stones themselves. The
Shell-fishes of all Sorts (serve to this work), and sometimes the
raging of the Sea, drives the Fishes shells ashore by heaps, and like
little hills, the which being carryed by the Inhabitants into the Cities
and Villages, they put them in the Lime-Kilns, and reduce them by a
strong fire into good Lime, and that by means of the Turfy fireing we
mentioned but now; so that I do not see any reason why, in these
Countries that are destitute of Wood and Stones, there should be
found less Salt-petre than in others, in which huge quantities both of
Wood and Stone are found. Nay, rather I affirm, that there is more
there, than is in almost any Country of Europe; for do but compare
the price of Turf and Wood, the Wood is dearer, the other cheaper;
besides the Wood is harder to press out, and this yields its juice
more easily.
So then, from all the foregoing demonstrations I absolutely
conclude, that there is not any place in the whole World, wherein
great quantities of Salt-petre may not be made.
And if I should say, that there is not to be found in the whole
world any places in which Nitre may be easier and plentifullier made
than in the low Countries of Germany, as Brabant, Holland, Zealand,
Flanders, Frieseland, the Groningen Fields, the County of Emdane,
and all those Countries which run as far as the German and Baltick
Sea, in this their moorish kind of ground; verily I should not speak
untruth, but if need were, I could witness it of a certainty.
But lest my Writings should remain too obscure and unknown to
such as are unskilled, and that such may not overmuch torment their
Brains by unnecessary Pleadings how this may be effected, I judge it
altogether necessary openly to confess the Truth before every one,
and say, That Nitre or Salt-petre, were but its true use known, is
justly and worthily to be accounted of as the greatest Treasure of
the whole world, as being a thing by the help of which, good Health,
Honours, and Riches may be purchased; and this we shall confirm in
the three following parts. If then that this be granted, then this also
will be yielded too, that the Subject-matter out of which it is
extracted, is not to be despised, but to be highly valued; and
therefore ought Wood and Turf to have their due Honour given
them, concerning which, I have by many Arguments affirmed, that
the one of them is every where in the upper Germany in great
plenty, and the other in the low Countries of Germany, (nor doth
these at all come short of the others) and that both may and ought
to yield Nitre. Besides, not only the bare Turf is hereto useful, but
likewise the hitherto thrown-away ashes, which are every where cast
out as unprofitable.
NB. They are not useful in washing, as wood-ashes, with which
the Laundresses make Lyes, and being they are not, they are thrown
away as good for nought. But yet there is in them a great quantity
of a certain salt, which being inverted by Art, passeth into Nitre;
therefore through meer ignorance is there cast away, together with
those Turfy ashes, a vast quantity of unripe Salt-petre, from whence
a mighty profit might redound to those Countries, but being
improvidently thrown away, is meerly lost. But yet I would not have
any imagine, that the Salt which is made of the Lee of Turf-ashes, is
presently Salt-petre; no, for ’tis needful that the subtilty of Art be
first thereto used, afore such a Salt be brought to that pass, as to
burn like Salt-petre: But yet care is to be taken, that that Art become
not common, for then so Noble a thing, and so profitable to our
Countries, will be known by Enemies as well as Friends; which to
prevent, it must be warily handled, and the principal work here
requisite is this, viz. That it may not be published so imprudently, as
to render the ungrateful and unworthy partakers of the same, as
well as the thankful and worthy ones.
By these things here spoken may every one see and gather, that
God is no respecter of Kingdoms and Principalities, and provides for
some better than for other some; all Men are His Creatures and
Heirs of all His Goods, if so be they be but willing, and do not
stubbornly oppose and slight the Divine Grace, and do not wantonly
cast it away and neglect it: Concerning which we shall speak more in
the following part, touching the Concentration of Minerals.
This we must yet farther add, viz. That common Salt-Nitre is in all
Coasts, in all Tracts or Continents, and in all Countries; yea, even in
all those places in which there’s neither Wood, nor Stones, nor
Leaves, nor Grass, nor Earth, nor any bottom of Earth: As for
example; Near Greenland, where the Sea is said to have no bottom,
where the Whales are caught, and which do greatly inrich the
Merchants with their fat or oil: Did they but know, that the
remaining Flesh and Bones were even yet of great use, and knew
they but how to turn them into Salt-petre, they would preferr it far
before their Fat, for the sake of which, so much labour and trouble is
undertaken; for in the flesh of one Whale only (which as it is, is not
at all profitable to any man) I dare say, that there may be found 20,
30, 40, 50, yea, sometimes 100 Centenaries, or hundreds weight of
Salt-petre. And so likewise the Intrails of the dried Stock-fish that are
caught in Island and Norway, should I affirm, that they would even
almost excel the Fish it self in value, I should not be deceived. I find
no difficulty that might hinder me from affirming this to be agreeable
to the Truth.
Do not the Salt-petre-men preferr the Nitrous Earth that’s found in
old burying places (if they can have it) far beyond other Nitrous
Earths? And this among others, that most excellent Examiner of
Metals, Lazarus Ercker, in his Book of examining of Metals, affirms,
and gives this Earth the chiefest place. Nor is it to be wondered at,
that of late in Poland, towards Muscovy, where formerly great
Battels have been, and many thousands of men slain, and by reason
of the multitude of them, have (after the Battel) been thrown into
deep Caverns of Mountains for the easier burying them) there hath
been a great quantity of Salt-petre extracted out of the Earth. Were
there not gain and profit to be gotten, those men that are imployed
in the extracting and boiling it, would not lay out so much Money on
unprofitable Ashes of Carcases.
But to pass this by, let any one make but this Experiment: Fill
some Vessel with Bulls or Ox-blood, and put it in a warm place till it
putrefie and be turned as it were into Earth; then extract a Lye out
of this Earth, and boil it so long, till a little skin appear on the top,
then lay it by in a cold place, to shoot into Crystals, or little Stones,
and these will be true Nitre.
NB. There is another and more compendious way of extracting
Salt-petre out of the blood of Animals, which belongs not to this
place to treat of; let us but compute the account a little. If there are
yearly kill’d in some great City some ten thousand Oxen, besides
Calves, Hogs, Sheep, and Goats, and the blood be cast away as
unprofitable, [now an hundred weight of blood yields some 5, 6, 7,
or 8 pound, or more, of Nitre.] the question is, How many Hundreds
of Salt-petre is lost? That this may be the more clearly evidenced,
viz. That there is much Salt-petre in all Beasts, Fishes, and Birds,
take another Experiment: Let a Beast, Bird, or Fish be laid in some
warm place, where no Rain comes, to putrefie, out of the Carcass
there will come Worms; of these Worms or Maggots take about one
pound, more or less, put them in a Glass with a narrow neck, stop
the glass with Paper only, and set it at the Sun, but not too hot, and
in a few daies the worms or maggots will be turned into water; then
pour out this water into a Copper Vessel tinn’d over, clarify it with
the whites of Eggs, as Vegetable juices are wont to be clarified; then
evaporate the clarified Juice, by little and little, by decoction, till it be
covered over with a skin; as we have taught you in the Vegetable
Juices; then set it by in a cold Cellar, and there will shoot good and
natural Nitre, but especially if that Liquor shall have stood a while
afore in the air.
The self-same Experiment may any one make with other Vermin
that arise from Flesh or Cheese, and he shall find that even living
Creatures have Salt-petre in them: so then there is nothing to be
found, wherein that Universal salt of the World is not seen to be; but
in some the salt doth sooner put on a Salt-petre nature, and in
others it is already made Salt-petre by Nature.
Let this serve as an example, viz. The Essential or Universal salt of
Vegetables, Animals, & Minerals, is indeed in its own nature nitrous,
but it does not conceive any flame afore it has attracted life and
flame from the Air. Further, one salt attracts that Life sooner and
willinglier than another does, according as it is by Nature framed. By
how much the more volatile and urinous the salts are, so much the
sooner do they change themselves into Nitre; and by how much the
more biting and more corrosive, so much the more difficultly and
slowly do they put on the nature of Salt-petre. But because Nitre is a
salt that partakes of both natures, viz. of a Urinous and Corrosive
Nature, and is compounded as it were of both a Urinous and a
Corrosive Salt, therefore by the help thereof one skill’d in Nature
may easily help the salts, and make of them whatsoever he
pleaseth. Nor is there in the nature of things any salt, but may by
the help of Art be turned into Nitre; but especially those salts which
are sublimed by fire, and are elevated by the force thereof; as
likewise those that are in the Urine and Excrements of all Animals;
yea more, Animals, Vegetables, and Minerals themselves do easily
assume the nature of Nitre: This now is the first degree of salts.
Another degree of salts are those that are somewhat fixer, (as the
Sons of Art call them) and are such as are left in the fire, from
Vegetables, Animals, and Minerals: These do more hardly pass into
the nature of Nitre; but the hardest of all, are those salts which are
in the third degree, as common salt, Sea-salt, Mountain or Fossile
salt, Alume and Vitriol; for by Art are even these brought to that
state, as to pass into true Nitre, but harder than the former, for they
need a longer time for transmutation, than the abovenamed flying,
volatile, and urinous salts. And therefore I would not have any of
you to opinionate, that when I say in my Writings, that this or that
salt may be converted into Salt-petre, assoon as ever it is extracted
out of the Lixivium, or by barely calcining with fire, that (I say) it
should presently be true burning Salt-petre; no, there is a yet farther
time thereto required, whereto it may attract its life and soul out of
the Air, and become burning or inflamable.
Every common Barber and mean-pated fellow, knows that the
most Salt-petre hitherto made, hath been boiled out of a Lee, drawn
out of the Earth taken out of old stables, wherein Sheep and other
beasts have stood. And why, I pray, out of the old standing places of
Sheep, Oxen, and the like Cattel, and not likewise out of the new? It
is on this account, because old Stables do not only in long Process of
time imbibe more salt out of the Excrements and Urine, and
consequently yield more Salt-petre; but also those very salts (that
come from the Excrements of the beasts) and which is the main
thing, have in long process of time received their soul or life from
the air, which new salts have not as yet attained unto: For let any
one boil, and try his conclusions on the fresh Dung and Urine of
Animals, as much as he list, they will never become Nitre, unless
they draw their Life out of the Air. Let any one take some good Salt-
petre, and mix it with Earth, and destil off the Spirit in a Retort,
there will come over into the Receiver such a sharp and corroding
water, as will dissolve Metals, Stones, and all other even the hardest
Mercurial Bodies, and yet the Salt-petre was not corrosive before,
but it hath gotten that degree of corrosivity from the fire’s operation.
Contrariwise, let some good Salt Nitre be taken, and be calcined in a
Crucible, with burning Coals or such-like other matters as will burn
or calcine it: By this operation it will be changed into a very fiery and
fixt Salt, but not so corrosive, and thus it will dissolve all Fat, Oils,
Greases, and sulphureous Bodies, which thing the former corrosive
Spirit will not do; for such bodies as are dissolveable by this fixt and
urinous Salt, the former acid Spirit leaves them untouch’d; and on
the other hand, it will dissolve those bodies which cannot be
dissolved by the fixt Salt, and yet are they both extracted out of one
and the same Subject, by the help of the fire. Hence may it easily be
conjectured, that this is an Hermaphroditical Salt, and partakes of
both natures, seeing it puts on both (or either) of them; for the
Philosophical Maxim witnesseth, that every thing hath its Original out
of that into which it can be changed and resolved.
Now when I pour the acid Spirit that destilled over into the
Receiver on that fixt Salt again, they are both of them divested of
their nature and property; the Spirit loseth his sharpness and acidity,
and the fixt salt puts off its fiery nature, and so they both become
again an Hermaphroditical Salt, but yet not presently, but ’tis
necessary to allow them some time of standing together in the Air,
whereby they may receive that life and that burning nature which
the Fire hath deprived them of. But yet notwithstanding, this comes
sooner to pass in this, than in other contrary subjects, because these
two Contraries have heretofore already been one Salt-petre; for such
as never have been Nitre, but are hereafter to be so, require a
longer abode in the Air. These instructions we give to those that
might haply think that Salts may be animated without the help of the
Air.
And now, that I may perfectly demonstrate that Salts do get their
life out of the air, without any encreasing in weight thereby, and not
from elsewhere, I will give you this following example. Take 1 l. of
Honey or Sugar, and let it be dissolved in ten pounds of Water, and
let this Water be set for some weeks in a warm air, the Honey or
Sugar will be as a magnet to this Water, and will by attracting a life
out of the air turn it into sharp Vinegar, and that without any thing
at all encreasing the weight of the same. By this means Water, by
the addition of Honey, Sugar, Malt, or any other Vegetable Juice, will,
by the operation of the hidden and attracting essential Salt, pass
together with it into excellent Vinegar. But now some or other may
imagine that the Honey, or the juice of the Fruit and Corn, have in
them an hidden acidity, which by the help of the warm
encompassing air, hath revealed it self, and so did not attract its
birth out of the air: But I will shew you the contrary, as follows: Take
a pound of Honey, Sugar, or some other Vegetable Juice, and force it
over in a Retort into a Receiver, and you will find that there will destil
over 10 or 12 lots (or half ounces) of insipid Water, and so many of
acid water; the remainder is a dead ashes, and have nothing in
them; the Vinegar and Phlegm that ascended, will not yield one
pound of Liquor, and the Vinegar it self, with its acidity, will scarce be
so strong in taste as those ten pounds of water that are turned into
Vinegar by the air.
This now demonstrates, that there was not in the Honey any more
acidity than what was thence drawn out by the help of destillation,
for the remaining ashes have not any taste at all. But put case that
the acidity which is driven out of the Retort into the Receiver by the
force of Fire, should be as sharp as Aq. fortis, (when as tho’ it is
scarce as sowre as Vinegar) yet would it hardly make ten pounds of
Water so acid as to be compared with the other which is made by
the essential Salt and the Air; so that it is evident that the acidity (as
being a life) is drawn by the Magnetick Virtue of the Honey out of
the air.
But as touching this Essential Salt of Vegetables, its being a
Magnet, to extract an acetous spirit out of the air, and communicate
it to the dead water. You are here well to observe, that the universal
spirit or soul of the World may be drawn out of the Air many and
sundry waies. In the aforementioned Example of Vinegar is a spirit
extracted, which is fit for the converting of Vegetable Liquors into
Vinegar. In Hermaphroditical salts, the Universal Nitrous spirit
becomes burning, as in Wine, Ale, and Metheglin. All these are so
made by the means of air, without which no Wine or Ale can
ferment, and without fermentation it is impossible for a burning
spirit to be generated; which said spirit is easily afterwards turned
into Vinegar, and this Vinegar into Nitre, and this Nitre again into a
burning Spirit or Vinegar; for every Life is of one and the same
original, and may by the benefit of Art be changed out of one nature
or property into another.
So likewise the same is to be understood in the generation of Salt-
petre, all Salts of Animals, Vegetables, and Minerals are dead, afore
they get themselves a life after a magnetical manner out of the Air,
and be made into Salt-petre; for amongst all salts, none deserve to
be called a Live Salt, but that one of Salt-petre, which by the
Philosophers is called the Watchful Dragon, which likewise at the
beginning was dead, but hath got himself a Life out of the air. By all
which it is most clearly manifest, that the life of all things ariseth out
of the air, and that those Creatures which come not into the air want
Life and that such things as already have life, are choak’d and die if
the air be taken from them. Hence comes the death of all things, by
a suppressing or taking away of air, (in which air the Life of all things
consists) what way soever it be done by, as the aforesaid example of
the Vinegar teacheth; for if Honey or Sugar were not made thin with
Water, there would never have hapned that changing into Vinegar.
So likewise Grapes, Apples, Pears, Barley, Oats, Wheat, were they
not moistened with water, but remained dry, they never would get
the nature and property of Vinegar, and that for this reason, because
the air could never infuse its life into a dry and shut up body.
This they well know who are imployed in making a quantity of
Vinegar; and upon this account do they in Summer time set their
Vessels open to the Sun, and in the Winter, they keep them in warm
stoves near the fire, and both afore and behind, and at the bottom
do they make holes to give the Air entrance, that so they might the
speedilier promote the changing of the Wine, Ale and Metheglin into
Vinegar.
They likewise know this too, that even strong Vinegar if it be a
long time shut and kept from Air, corrupts and dies. The which thing,
seeing it is to be as well understood of other Subjects, as of these
here, viz. Salt-petre and Vinegar, we may affirm thus much, That by
how much the more of warm Air comes to the Wine or Ale, so much
the sooner will they pass into Vinegar. And by how much the more of
warm Air the Salts draw, so much the speedier will they draw a Life
thereout-of, and put on themselves the nature and property of Salt-
petre. This is the reason why the Salt-petre boilers do sometimes
turn or dig up the Earth from whence they have had Salt-petre, and
moisten it with water, that so the Air may the more commodiously
penetrate that Earth by its operation, and infuse Nitre thereinto. But
yet this business goes slowly on, and may be compared with that
where a man presseth out Grapes or Apples a little, and then
exposeth those Reliques of the press’d Grapes or Apples to the Air,
or else grinds Malt somewhat grosly and moistens it with water and
so sets it by that it may be endued with the nature and virtues of
Vinegar: It would indeed come to pass, but yet much slower than if
Wine, Ale, or other Drinks were set by so, without the huskiness or
bran: The same is to be observed in the making of Salt-petre. By
how much the more, the Air toucheth the Salts, so much the
speedier will it reduce them into living Nitre. This may be seen in old
walls that are built in moist places, you see how the Lime sprouts
out and is converted into Salt-petre. We see not the same thing
done in the inside of the wall, where the Air can cannot penetrate
into it. Hence know I of a truth, that it is not the husks of the
Grapes, nor the husks or bran of the Corn grows sour, but it is the
thin Juice or Liquor that is either pressed out of them, or extracted
with water. And I likewise see that ’tis not the Ashes, nor Calx vive,
nor the like calcined things that becomes Nitre, but only the Salt that
is hidden in them. Therefore seeing that all calcined things being
moistned with water and for a long time exposed to the warm Air do
extract a Life and become Salt-petre, and that the Ashes and Calx
are like a dead Earth and never yield Salt-petre, but remain a dead
Earth. Likewise, forasmuch as such Earth doth not at all conferr
ought to the generation and making of Salt-petre, but is rather every
where an hindrance thereunto, whereby the Air cannot associate it
self to the Salt; therefore do I separate the earth, body, shell, and
useless garment, and keep the Salt, and I introvert it by the Air and
turn it into Salt-nitre, but yet not without the addition of Water, in
which the Salt is dissolved and rendred more fit for extracting a Life
out of the Air; for otherwise should the Salt remain dry this
transmutation would be a tedious while a bringing to the desired
end.
If therefore the Salts that are prepared by the fire are dissolved in
water, and the water be together with it kept by peculiar
Instruments in perpetual motion, and some heat be also thereto
adjoined, so that there be not the least Atoms of the Salts to be
found which have not the uncessant penetration of the warm air,
and which are not animated, (because the warm air and motion do
in all places touch and vivify the Salts): Such an operation as this
does more in four Weeks, than if the Salt lay in the heaped up Earth
and open to the air (far longer) wherein it would not in a whole
years time attain to so great a change. But this perpetual agitation
and heating consisteth in a certain wooden Instrument which may of
its own accord by an unceasing motion heat the Salt-water, so as
that every Week a growing alteration may be evidently seen and
perceived. It is not of any great charge, and one may get ready as
many Vessels to be filled with Salt-water to make Salt-petre with (as
he pleaseth) for one Man can manage an hundred of them or more
and conserve them in continual heat and motion, so that a Man may
keep such an Art secret as long as he pleaseth. And as concerning
the ordering the salt by the help of the fire and getting it a
magnetick and attractive faculty afore it be dissolved in water to be
put into the Vessels; and also how the Vessels are to be prepared,
this cannot be conveniently declared in writing, but it is expedient
that as well the manual operations requisite for the endowing of salt
with a magnetick faculty, as the Instruments necessary for the
turning it into Salt-petre be also well lookt into, with all the
appurtenances thereto belonging. Any one will easily comprehend
them all, and be able to imitate them; yea far easier than any gross
or great work, and it may be improved in any subject whatever. It is
not any sordid kind of operation, but pure and clean, it needs not
any making of Lixiviums, nor any decoction, nor any evaporation,
but perfecteth it self without impediment or retarding the work, and
coagulates the Salt into Nitre. Verily it is a most delicate and most
profitable invention, from which many others may have a beginning
and flow.
Thus have we declared and proved that the soul of the World
vivifying dead salts, and turning them into Salt-petre, adds not unto
them either weight or encrease, and yet nevertheless it is of such
abundant efficacy and power as to reduce them all to Life, which Life
is no other thing but the little Bird of Hermes, and easily admits of
being esteemed for the most noble amongst all the Creatures G O D
hath made, set aside but the soul of Man, and may by the help of
Art be again extracted out of the Salt-petre. But that I may mention
the thing more openly and more clearly; I say, that the salts must
(by the help of Fire and Art) first get a magnetick and attractive
power and faculty afore they can draw a Life out of the air. Now
then, after that the universal Life of the World is caught and fettered
as it were by the salts, and hath turned the dead salts into living
nitre, yet that life lies hidden in that Salt-petre invisibly, and can but
a little or scarce any thing at all shew out or display its virtues by
reason of the Gross body of the salt.
NB. If so be that any one shall but know how to draw out this Life
again out of the Nitre, and bring it into a body, and make it visible,
he shall have a thing so admirable that he’ll scarce find the like (as I
believe) in all natural things. For there is such a sweet and red
Liquor, as to sight, thence had, that one only small drop will tinge a
thousand parts of water with a Golden colour: which (said Liquor) I
have not as yet brought to a constant or fixed Medicine, but do
make use of it in Medicine (as it is) and I find in it things wonderful.
But this little Bird (as far as I know) cannot be again extracted out of
the Nitre by any other subject than with a net artificially prepared of
Sheeps-skins.
Such a worthy thing as this is, do I rank in the number of great
secrets and mysteries, and I suppose it to be that work which the
knowledge desiring Jason, being holpen by Medea who was most
skilful in the Chymical Art, took away from the Dragon, and called it
the Golden Fleece: But I would not have any one perswade himself
that I speak here of such a Tincture as is extracted out of fixt Nitre
(and likewise the same is extractable out of Salt of Tartar) by Spirit
of Wine. No, that is no true Tincture, but the Spirit of Wine is
somewhat altered and tinged by the fixt salt. But that Liquor of mine
is the true, occult, and inmost Tincture, Virtue, and Life of the Nitre,
and is of a golden Nature, but plainly flying and volatile, one drop
whereof doth so gild an whole Imperial, as if it were gilt over with
Ducket Gold. This Tincture cannot be changed or altered by any
contrary Menstruum, be it Corrosive or Urinous, no nor by Aqua-
fortis, or Liquor of Salt of Tartar; the like of which is scarce to be
found in all nature.
For if there be a most delicate colour drawn out of the Vegetables,
as Cochenele, Saffron, and such like, by the help of the Spirit of
Wine, and there be dropt therein but one only drop of Aqua-fortis,
the colour will presently turn pale, and if you add more, it will vanish
for altogether. Or else if a drop of the Liquor of Salt of Tartar should
be put therein, it would presently change colour and become
duskyish. But now, this true Tincture of Nitre, or Soul of the World
suffers not any change from either of the contraries. And should one
have even a metallick Tincture, or extract even from Gold it self, yet
would it not stand in this tryal, but would be precipitated either by
the acid or the fixt salt, and separate from the Menstruums. But ours
doth constantly abide in every trial, and resists both the contraries.
I do therefore repeat what I have often said, that there is more
lies hidden in Nitre than many thousands of Men can perswade
themselves of. But because it is so vile and abject a thing, no body
thinks that there lies hidden any thing of good therein. But do but
read the chiefest of the Philosophers, and you shall therein find that
they do enigmatically point at Nitre, and do call it the Dragon which
is to be slain by its Brother or Sister afore it parts with its Treasure;
But enough of this.
The things hitherto mentioned, have I produced for this end, that
my Neighbour may be the better certified concerning them. All the
Philosophers Books are full of this thing, amongst whom, Hermes,
and Basil Valentine excel, who have written most clearly. Paracelsus
saith openly, Alchimy hath found it in Nitre. The late Philosopher
Nuisment, hath published a Treatise of the Salt and Spirit of the
World, and is verily most worthy the reading, which (said Book) I
commend to the Reader that studies these things. Therefore do I
here again repeat what I have so oft reiterated, viz. That Salt-petre
is the most admirable, the most excellent, and the most powerful
Subject of the whole World, whose wonderful properties cannot be
enough search’d into. But because it hath its rise from dung and
putrid rotten things the greatest company of foolish ones do despise
it, but the small company of Philosophers and Wise-men (who are
those that know what admirable virtues it has) do most highly
esteem it, and set thereon a great value. The well disposed Reader
will clearly find more as to its virtue and efficacy, in the three
following parts.
O thou the original of all good things, and Treasure of all
Treasures, vouchsafe that we may well and rightly improve this
earthly and fading Treasure, and may so search after, and use it unto
the end, that we lose not the chiefest good, but may rather find and
keep thee for ever.

An Admonition, adjoined as an Over-plus.

I n the first Chapter of this first part of the concentration of things,


have I plenarily manifested, by what means, new Wines and
Musts are (by the help of an Artificial condensation) to be brought
into a narrow compass, that so they might be carried into far remote
places wherein there are no Wines, and may there be sold to great
profit. But yet I forgot to shew, by what means the savour which the
winy Juices contracted in their concentration, is wholly to be taken
away in the fermentation when they are again dissolved in water,
that so the Wines made of those Juices may not have any untoward
and unpleasant taste. ’Tis an Artifice without which no man can
easily, quit himself in this Art of making Wine. But that I may certify
every one hereabouts, the Medium (or Basis) necessary about the
precipitation in this work is no other thing but common Sulphur
excellently well purified, a little portion whereof (according to the
nature and property or disposition of the Juices) is to be hereto
added, which must boil up (or ferment) with the Wine, that so it
may draw to it self all the filths, and all the strange odour, and
savour or taste in the fermentation and by precipitation cast them
down to the bottom, which being done the Wines become sweet,
clear, and get a good savour. Furthermore it is to be known by what
means (seeing that there are many fæces and defilements that will
separate themselves out of those kinds of Wines as well as out of
others, and settle to the bottom) even they are to be put to some
use, that so there may not be any loss, but that the gain may be by
so much the greater. Divers ways are there of making profit from
them; as for instance, The remaining Wines may by pressed out in
bags, or else they may be turned into Vinegar, or a spirit may be
thence destilled, and the remaining gross matter be boiled in water,
and the Tartar therein dissolved, and prest out in bags, that it may
so shoot into Tartar. But as touching this expression I have taken
care to have a peculiar Book published at Norimberg, (viz. The
Treatise of the Lees of Wine.) So that it is wholly needless to make
any mention of the same, in this place. The Courteous Reader may
use it to his occasions, as being such a Book, in which he will find
the said pressing out the Wine and Tartar, and also the making of
Vinegar, clearly described, with all the circumstances thereabouts,
and without all question if he rightly understands me, and sets about
the work, he will do himself a great deal of good.
NB. But if so be that any shall know the Art of turning the Tartar
of those Fæces into Salt-petre, (and such a thing may be done and
that in a very short time) he will get twice the profit, that is to be
gotten by making Tartar of them; forasmuch as he need not put
himself to the inconveniency of pressing them.
In the second Chapter of this first part where mention is made of
the concentration of Corn, there it has been alleadged that the
remaining husks or branny parts which remain after the extraction of
the Juices, may be made to yield as much yea more Moneys than
will pay the costs about the Corn. But it is well known, that those
reliques that are left in your boiling up of Ale, are improved to fatten
Beasts with. If now a Medimnus (a measure of about some 6
bushels) of Corn doth cost half, nay even a whole Imperial, those
reliques (that are left of it in working) can scarce cost less than one
eighth part of that Imperial. And now out of such a Medimnus or
measure of such reliques, they would very hardly when turned in the
Beasts, into nutriment, have made in them two pounds growth of
flesh, the price of which (said two pounds) would not amount to the
eighth part of the said Imperial: Whereas now, if those reliques were
handled after the afore-mentioned way of reducing Wood into
Juices, they would easily yield as much, or more Salt-petre than the
price of the Corn was at the beginning. So that here’s an enriching
Treasure offers it self to the pious and diligent Housholder, whereby
he may do good to those in need.
In the third Chapter of the first part, is mention made only of the
Concentration of Wood, of the pressing the Juices out of the Wood,
and of the making Nitre; But because there is not every where such
great quantity of Wood, as to imploy it to the making of Salt-petre
without omitting the more necessary use of it, yet notwithstanding
the case may be so ordered as that a great quantity of Salt-nitre
may be made of the Leaves of the Trees and the Grass that grows
under the Trees, and there’s no need to cut down the Trees, if a Man
has no mind so to do. Besides too, in such places where there’s but
little Wood and much Corn, even the very stubble or straw (of the
Corn) is fit enough to be made into Salt-petre. So that there is no
place where there is not matter found for the making of Salt-petre.
And therefore I cannot forbear but must needs teach all pious
Housholders (whether they have their Houses in Cities or in Villages)
a certain easie Artifice, by the help of which they may gather a
Treasure for their Children, without any labour and costs, and such a
one as Thieves can never rob them of.
And now, seeing I have revealed in this small Book, for the benefit
both of Rich and Poor, high and low, three Artifices or Workmanships
by which, Wine, Corn, and Wood may be made more profitable; but
yet have not brought any assisting help to such as want both Wine,
Corn, and Wood, I have judged it worth the while (that so even they
who have nothing, and yet nevertheless desire to provide for their
Wives and Children in some honest way) to bestow on them a secret
Art, whereby they may seek their advantage or profit. And I hope
the thing will redound to the Honour of God, and to all our Healths.
Besides, I will shew a way to such as have no inheritance left
them from their Parents, nor have any thing come to them by
Marriage, by what means they may without labour and trouble get a
Treasure for their Children.
First of all, Let such a one take care to have some shade or hovel
made, to join to that side of his dwelling that lies in the middle ’twixt
the North and the East part of Heaven, or some other more
convenient place, so as to admit the Sun and Air to it, but to keep
off the Rain. Under this Pent-house or Hovel, let him dig a large Pit,
and with the Earth he digs out let him make banks round the Pits-
mouth that so it may keep the Rain off of every side. This done, let
him each day in every year, or whensoever he can conveniently carry
and throw into that Pit these following matters, so long till his
necessity forceth him to dig all out again, and to see how much
Treasure he hath gotten, even whilest he slept. Now these matters
are, All sharp and bitter Herbs, growing in by places, amongst
bushes, and in the way sides, and such as the Beasts feed not on, as
Esula, Cicuta or Hemlock, Hen bane, Fumitory, the thick stalks of
Tabaco that are thrown away in those places where it is planted, the
hard stalks of Colwort, which the Beasts eat not of, and likewise all
those things they leave in their Troughs; likewise Firr tops or Apples
if you have them at hand; also the Leaves that fall from the Trees in
Autumn are to be gathered; also Pigeons-dung, and Hens-dung,
Birds and Hens Feathers; all the Ashes which Women usually make
their Lees with, and other Ashes that are not fit for that use, as also
such out of which the Lixivium or Lee is already extracted; the soot
of Chimneys, Hogs hairs, the horns of Oxen and Cows, and the
bones which the Dogs eat not of. All these matters may he throw
into his Pit, and that he may the sooner fill it, he may gather as
much as ever he can from the bordering places, and throw it therein,
that so in one or two years time he may with all those things fill up
his Pit. Mean while he must pour into the Pit the piss gathered in his
House, and that he may have enough he must also get as much as
he can from his Neighbours, so as to keep the things thrown in the
Pit in a continual moisture, whereby they may the sooner putrefy. In
want of Urine, common Water may be taken; if Sea-water or other
Salt-water can be had, it will be the better. Also the Brine of Fishes-
pickle, and the salting or salt-water that Flesh is macerated (or
pickled) in are of good use in this business; likewise the Blood of
Oxen, Cows, Calves, Sheep, which you may easily have at the
Butchers; all these things putrefying together do put on the nature
and property of Salt-petre.
If now, all those matters in your full pit shall have well putrefied,
then cease from pouring on any more moisture, and all the things
are to be left so long till they are dried. And then if you need Money,
let a Salt-petre maker be sought for, and bargain with him about the
price of drawing out your Salt-petre by water, of making it, and
selling it. This done, cast the remaining Earth again into the Pit,
together with the remaining Lixivium that shot not into Nitre, and
there leave it for a year or two, and moisten it sometimes with
Urine, or if you have not this, with common Water. This Earth will
again yield Salt-nitre, but not above half so much as at first.
NB. If you stand not in need of Money, let the matter lie, and as
oft as it dries, so often moisten it again with the aforesaid moisture,
that so the Nitre may more and more grow and increase. By this
means shall such a one gather a secret Treasure, & shall not know
almost how he came by it. If he needs it not himself, his Children will
find it. Thieves & Souldiers will not steal it away. If one Pit be full
then another may be made, that so nothing at all of those matters,
which otherwise are most base, (but in this case most suitable) may
be lost. Now if there were but only one in every Village that were
appointed to exercise this Labour, there would be found out as it
were in a small Country many thousand hundreds of Salt-petre, and
so these matters still serving for the same use, there would never be
any scarcity of Salt-petre. And now, Nitre being present, Gold and
Silver are not far off. Let every one observe this, and esteem it. Men
will sometime or other at last, become thrifty and wise, and will see
what blindness they have been possessed with.
Give G O D the thanks, and be helpful to thy Neighbour. G O D hath
bestowed on me, I bestow on thee, do thou likewise bestow
somewhat upon thy Neighbour, and it will be well with us all.
THE SECOND PART
OF

The Prosperity of Germany:


Wherein is shewn,

By what means Minerals may be Concentrated


by Nitre, and turned into
Metalick, and better Bodies.

For the benefit of my Country, and of all such as affectionately


and industriously follow after
Metalick Affairs.

Friendly Reader,

I
have taught in the first part of this Book, by what way the
Vegetables, as Wine, and Ale, are to be concentrated, whereby
they may yield more profit than hitherto they have done, and
also, how Wood is to be reduced into Salt-petre. In this present
Second part, shall be taught, how the Salt-petre is to be used, and
how, by it Minerals may be Concentrated, and wrought into Metalick
Bodies. And as to this Concentration, thus stands the case; that is to
say, forasmuch as a good part of Minerals are of very little use, and
lie neglected as things of no worth, and prove not profitable to any
one, (whereas if there were Men that understood but the Art of it,
there might redound a great benefit to the Lands where they are). It
hath seemed to me worth while to declare it to my Country, nor

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