Man and woman, that is Sol and Mercury congeal together. Vulgar Mercury without preparation is remote from the Work. Four parts of Mercury and one of gold which is in the place of ferment make a matrimony. The solution is done when gold is resolved into Mercury. Without putrefaction there is no dissolution.
Putrefaction lasts till whiteness appears.
It is a great secret to mundify the Mercury with which is prepared the Menstruum in which gold is dissolved. The dissolution is the beginning of congelation. Sol dissolved into running Mercury in a short time remains in that form. The ferment dries up the Mercury and makes it ponderous and fixes it. The Sol of the philosophers is called a fountain.