ALCHEMICAL
LABORATORY
BULLETINS
Vol. II, No. 8
1971
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CLASSES FOR 1972
It was our intention to have no classes for 1972. However, we have so many applications on hand from those who are anxious to continue with their alchemical studies and practical work, and since some seem to feel that time is rather short for them to accomplish all they wish to do, we have consented to hold the following classes:
January-Marah: New Zealand and Australia
No class in Europe.
April to middle of June: U.S.A.
Fall classes questionable in U.S.A.
The tentative spring class schedule for the U.S.A. will be as follows:
Prima: April 3-16
Secunda: April 17-30
Tertia: May 1-14
Quarta May 30 - June 11
INDEX
Announcements
Yoga and the P.R.S.
The Ten Commandments of Health
Questions and Answers
1973 Symposium in Europe
What About Vulcan?
Frater Albertus with Students in Europe (picture) Prima (first year) class 1971 in Walzenhausen. Switzerland (picture)
And Then--What?
BULLETIN RNEWALS
PLEASE, please fill out and return the enclosed Bulletin Renewal Form stating whether or not you wish to renew your Bulletin subscription. The immediate return of this form will greatly facilitate office routine. Please! Do it within the hour.
CHANGE IN POLICY
Because of the high cost of laboratory equipment and materials used it has become necessary for the P.R.S. to charge a $10.00 registration and laboratory fee for classe beginning in 1972. -Please include this fee with your dormitory payment. As usual there will be no tuition fees, either direct or indirect. Also for students who need help, that help is still available for dormitory and food through the Paul Buecheler Memorial fund.
GERMAN ALCHEMICAL BULLETIN
A German language version of the Alchemical Laborntory Bulletin is now available and may be obtained for 20 Swiss Francs per annum (approximatdy $5.00 U.S.) directly from: P.R.S. Bulletin, Postfach 12, CH 6414, Oberarth, Switzerland. The German version will not contain the same reading matter as does the U.S.A. publication.
The Alchemical Laboratary Bulletin is a quarterly publication of the Paracelsus Research Society, P. O. Box 6006, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84106, U.S.A. Annual subscription $6.00. This price includes one complimentary copy to be mailed to an institution of learning or as otherwise designated by the subscriber. Individuals and institutions unable to pay the annual subscription fee may upon verification of their request, receive the Bulletin gratis. Copyrighted and printed in the U.S.A.
Yoga and the P.R.S.
So much has been written and said about Yoga, there is no need for us to try to explain what the various schools of Yoga teach and the different types of Yoga they have to offer. Since there are many Yoga exercises planned to accomplish results ranging from coarse physical strength to the most subtle mental penetration of consciousness into a Nirvanic state, we would like to present the stand the P.R.S. takes concerning Yoga as a whole.
We concur with what a Yoga advocate of India once said that Yoga:
Is NOT a system of physical culture only.
Is NOT simply a good way to escape illness
Is NOT a part of witch-craft or black magic.
Is NOT something queer practised by cranks.
Is NOT the monopoly of any race or religion or nation.
Is NOT Hunduism; it does not disturb your religious faith.
But
Is a system of self culture.
Is a way of life.
Is a path to God-realization or the Ultimate Good of all religions whatever they may be called.
Is a system of psyche-physical discipline whose aim is Perfection with physical health and peace of mind as the immediate fringe benefits.
Is something which all men of achivement have practiced consciously or unconsciously.
Is yours if you care to understand and practice it.
The climax of Yoga then is a state of a healthy body, mind and spirit that are essential to such a state of man's being. This is a very difficult state to arrive at because man does not always consider his three states of awareness within one life's expression. He either over-emphasizes the body, the mind or the spirit. Seldom does he create a condition in which all three states of awareness are in complete harmony. When any one of the three are in a restless state illness results. To create this state of rest where the body, mind and spirit are at ease means health. Since there are thousands of Yoga postures they appear to be exercises for physical fitness. If this was the only use then the same result could be achieved through gymnastics and physical exercises. But the mind is the regulator of both spirit and body. Hence, it is necessary for the mind to be strengthened in order that the life force will be able to flow unimpeded through the body.
What is known as "Padmansana" or the Lotus Posture is a media to help attain control of the physical. It is a difficult posture to attain as those who practice it will experience at first--especially for those somewhat advanced in years. Mastering this Yoga position means a state of success over the physical function of movement of the limbs. Then follows the exercise of collecting the roving thoughts into a collective whole wherein the individual becomes immersed. The vital life force may now work unhindered and flow through body and mind into an inseparable unity which means Yoga. The beginner in Yoga should ascertain whether his prime purpose is adjustment of physical malfunctions or whether adjustment of his state of mind has priority. The vital life force can only be brought into accelerated action when both are properly attuned.
Western gymnastics properly performed will also help in conditioning the physical and when combined with the mental state as in the act of praying upon one's knees with the buttocks resting on the heels we find a combination of both. When in such a position, lowering the head will stretch the spine. Various other positions have arisen out of this exercise. The parallel position of the legs in the one case and the crossed legs in the other are but a further evidence of the law of polarity here where literally east meets west.
The technique of the posture of the Lotus has been given as.
Sit on the ground by spreading the legs forward. Then place the right foot on the left thigh and the left foot on the right thigh. Place the hands on the knee-joints. You can make the finger-lack and keep the locked hands over the left ankle. This is very convenient for some persons. Or you can place the left hand over the left knee and the right hand over the right knee with the palms facing upwards and the index finger touching the middle portion of the thumb (Chinmudra).
This posture promotes equilibrum. It enables you to keep your back straight. It corrects posture defects. That it prevents rheumatism affecting the knee joints and preserves the suppleness of the lower limbs is a minor benefit! It cures you of restlessness, aids concentration and contemplation;
Patanjali in his textbook on Yoga goes as far as to suggest that if you practice this posture regularly and become proficient in it, you will be unaffected by the ups and downs of life!
The technique sounds simple; it is. But modern civilization by promoting comfort makes this simple posture uncomfortable.
As in all things the axiom heard over and over again at P.R.S. "'easy does it" should be a guide to those trying the various Yoga systems with its many different postures.
WHEN WAS I BORN?
If you do not know the time (hour, minute) when you were born you can figure this out for yourself provided you have the birthday of your mother. We will mail you the instructions in printed form for 85cents or 2 for $1.25. Payment must be included with order.
In The Next Bulletin
About the magnet and its healing power.
And more of your questions and answers.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
OF HEALTH
1. Anger tires the heart. Therefore be neither angry nor excited, but practice Patience.
2. Domination leads to short breath and asthma. Try not to be always first but learn how to subordinate to wishes of others.
3. Envy disturbs the functions of Gall and Liver. Therefore think of those who have less than you have.
4. Stinginess cramps the intestines and egotism the stomach. Therefore be generous and give unto those wanting.
5. Jealousy forms deposits in muscles and joints; makes the skin old and interferes with the cell growth.
6. Fear and Restlessness weigh on Kidneys and Bladder. Therefore cary your burden silently. It is never more than you can carry and trust in God.
7. Laziness makes you fat. Therefore be active and keep busy and be sensible in eating and drinking.
8. You must overcome yourself and by doing so you will have found the way that will lead you from sickness to health. This way you have fulfilled your task in life and are now free. This is the true freedom.
9. Illness is a sign that your way or that of your parents was not the right one. Trust in the triune God and He will help you to overcome.
10. Help your neighbor and God is your friend in Heaven and here upon earth.
QUESTIONS and ANSWERS
QUESTION No. 54--Can you melt Sb2 O3 with a flux that would not need to be removed later as we do when we use borax and then must wash the borax out?
Answer: As you know Sb2 03 can be molten into glass under very high heat. Since this is not always available there is still another method to make pure yellow glass without using any substance other than antimony. This method will be given to those who are further advanced in the work. As you know by now, there are many different ways to do things-some may not have been thought of as yet. This is Alchemy for you on both planes of awareness.
QUESTION NO. 55--You clearly demonstrated the difference between two antimonial extractions, both of which were alike in color and were clear but one was poisonous and one was not. One gets scared now when making the tincture, not knowing whether it is poisonous or not.
Answer: You have no business working with substances about which you know nothing, or at least not enough. "Know the Theory first before attempting the Praxis" is an old Rosicru·cian Alchemical Axiom. It is just as valid today at it was ages ago. This admonition applies to each of you readers.
QUESTION 56--When following the directions of Basil Valentine in the "Triumphant Chariot" as to how to make antimonial vinegar I had no results. After macerating it for several months (7) and then carefully decanting and filtering it there was hardly a trace of acidity noticeable. Do you know how to proceed so I will get the vinegar he said can be made from the antimony.
Answer: Yes. Distill it.
QUESTION 57--Why do you always tell us that alchemical medications will be available soon, but we never get a definite commitment from you as to when this will be.
Answer: To produce and market alchemical (spagyric) medications is not quite as easy as some think. Much legal work and finances are involved. As you also know the P.R.S. will not produce and market these medications. A company will be formed to manufacture such products under the label "Paralab." This is an abbreviation for Paracelsus Laboratories. The only resemblance to P.R.S. is to be found in the name "Paracelsus'."
We are informed that those interested in such an undertaking will be contacted soon by a committee that is now in the organizational stage.
In fact we will assist those interested by delivering any mail addressed to this Committee provided it is addressed:
PARALAB
c/o Paracelsus Research Society
P. O. Box 6006
Salt Lake City, Utah 84106, U.S.A.
Please do not address any inquiries directly to the P.R.S. as we have no information to give about PARALAB.
QUESTION NO. 58--I found out that I am not the only one who is now trying very hard to catch up with the vegetable process by making the herbal stone. As you showed us the last time we were in class we definitely need the oil (alchemical sulphur) in its oily state. Can one use such oils that are produced commercially?
Answer: Yes. Provided you have a guarantee that such oils are pure, natural (preferably steam distilled) products. Synthetically produced oils are useless in this case.
QUESTION NO. 59--Would you come and give some lectures in our city if we were to make arrangements for you? So many people would like to know more about alchemy but we are in no position to explain it as you can.
Answer: We are always willing to help and be of assistance. But there is such a thing as time. (Remember time is man made). With our teaching overseas and here in the States, there is little time left even for our personal affairs. The "Place" has to be kept up even while we are gone and upon our return so many things need our care and attention. If you will make some tentative plans for next year, let us know in time (soon) and we will see what we can do.
QUESTION NO. 60--I have worked with antimony trichloride and found it to be easily dissolvable in absolute alcohol. It yields a deep amber colored heavy liquid. Seeing how easily it is accomplished I thought that I had found the simplest way ever to get the antimonial tincture. But it turned out to contain all the poisonous antimony salts. No matter how I have tried to extract the tincture therefrom it has proved impossible. Can you tell me if there is a way to extract the tincture of antimony from the antimony chloride without the poisonous salts getting dissolved in the menstrum? Alchemists say in their books that it can be done. Do you know how to do it?
Answer: Yes we know how to do it. Advanced students are given the formula. We hesitate to give such procedures here where those not yet sufficiently versed in the subject matter can harm themselves or others. No one should work with antimony who has not been taught how to handle it. Yes, we know that a clamour is made known by those who have read that alchemists cured cancer with this tincture and the oil of antimony. But what good is a lock without a key? Even then the key has to fit the lock to be of any value. We are trying very hard to make all this information available to students of the P.R.S. but there is some preliminary training necessary before such knowledge can prove of benefit and not become a further aggravating hinderance because of ignorance of the laws involved. These things have to be learned by experience under proper supervision. Such knowledge cannot be handled in a fly-by-night manner or through casual experimentation. Please remember the P.R.S. is a research institution -with emphasis upon the "Research."
1973 Symposium In Europe
Every seven years the P.R.S. plans to conduct an alclhemistical symposium. The last one took place in 1966 in the U.S.A. We plan to make 1973 an especially important event.
For those interested in attending an alchemistical symposium in Europe, a 3 to 4 weeks round trip flight from Ohicago to Germany can be arranged combining the three day symposium with a low priced vacation to interesting alchemistical places in Europe (France, Switzerland, Italy, etc.), including visiting; some actively engaged alchemists. It is quite possible that Frater Albertus would conduct such a tour as he is acquainted with places and individuals of the past and present. Transportation for such a tour would be in the comfortable, air conditioned and renowned Europbusses. Hotel reservations and meals would be included. In this way participants are not troubled by bothersome arrangements and language problems.
The price for a round trip from Chicago to Germany (Frankfurt or Munioh) would be approximately $275.00. The three or four week excursion fare cannot be given at present as the itinerary must be completed first. This can be done only when a sufficient number of students and their relatives make known their intentions.
This much can be said: It would no doubt be a once in a lifetime European tour to places and people connected with alchemy at such very reasonable prices and under the personal guidance of an alchemist.
It would be a notable event in the history of alchemy. The trip would be followed by the publication of an illustrated account of the places and persons visited and would include the names and pictures of those participating in the Seminar and the tour. We need your reaction to this idea soon, as it will take some time to get good accommodations arranged ahead of 1973 hotel bookings.
Here is your once in a lifetime chance to be a part of a great alchemistical adventure.
What About Vulcan?
A few months ago, an exciting news item was carried in the press all over the world. Supposedly a new planet was discovered! One such newspaper statement read:
NEW BODY MAY BE 10th PLANET
OAKDALE, N.Y.--(UPI)--A celestial body has been discovered which may be the 10th planet or cluster of planets in our solar system, an astronomy professor at Dowling College said Saturday.
Henry C. Courten, 42, said he accumulated "strong evidence" that there is a celestial body or cluster in solar orbit closer to the Sun than Mercury while he led an expedition to southern Mexico during the eclipse of the Sun on March 7, 1970.
He said his findings have been reviewed by NASA, the Smithsonian Astrophical Observatory and the U.S. Naval Observatory, leading to the conclusion the object, or possibly several small objects, is fragmentary remains of an earlier comet or an intramercurial planet.
The astronomer said the object probably is quite small, less than 500 miles in diameter.
Students of the P.R.S. and readers of the Alchemical Laboratory Bulletins will have taken special notice because here at the P.R.S. considerable attention has been focused upon this planet. Sighting of this small planet is rather difficult because of its nearness to the sun. One can see with great difficulty when-looking directly into the sun but nevertheless at propitious times when atmospheric conditions are favorable a faint-dark crescent can be seen. This crescent is the exact opposite of the moon which shows as a light crescent against a dark sky, since the moon receives its light from the sun while by contrast Vulcan is immersed in the sun's light. Since Vulcan can only be seen during daytime while the crescent of the moon is visible from dusk until dawn, the ancient saying "the sun veils Vulcan and the moon hides Vulcan" begins to assume a deeper meaning. Soon we will hear much more about this newcomer in our solar system.
The reader might find it of interest to read Bulletin No. 6, 1st quarter, 1961, page 65.
It will be of further interest to the reader to learn that we will soon have a five year ephemeris of Vulcan available covering the years 1968-72. This will enable the student to check for himself as to whether Vulcan has influenced the lives of individuals who have had occurrences having no astrological evidence to substantiate such events through the influences of Vulcan.
And Then -- What?!
Again this summer, classes in Europe convened in the beautiful Spa of Walzenhausen in Switzerland. If the increase in students continues at the present pace we will be left with no alternative but to either confine ourselves to the number of students enrolled at present or to stop teaching all together. Either course proves very difficult. Those who went through the prima, secunda and tertia classes want to continue as evidenced by their continuing participation. If we only continue with those who have been in classes previously it would mean that those desiring to attend a prima class would be denied this privilege. On the other hand if we close all classes those sincere aspirants anxious to progress further would be denied their opportunity. If it were not for the time factor involved and for our own commitments to teach elsewhere than in Europe, something could be worked out for the forseeable future permitting a continuation of European classes.
Again a problem similar to the one in Europe presents itself concerning the Antipodes, i.e., New Zealand and Australia.
Since the work here in the U.S.A. begins to take on ever greater dimensions, due to the advanced teachings and laboratory techniques, we see only one solution to the problem--namely, to increase the number of students permitted to attend each class. Instead of only five persons being admitted for prima instruction we must increase the number here in the U.S.A. as we have done overseas (as can be seen by the pitcure of the prima class in Switzerland for the year 1971).
In order to increase the number of students in a class here at the P.R.S. we need more laboratory and lecture room space as well as additional dormitory facilities. At present we are considering beginning, in 1972, the construction of another building which will provide a larger lecture room as well as additional dormitory space, and make possible approximately fifteen students per class.
As we have mentioned before, the second seven year cycle of the P.R.S. is about to end. This cycle has brought about many changes.
The third seven year phase will be an impulsive one--one which will bring about the realization on both planes of awareness. It pertains to both mind and body. As we are about to end the cycle of change we find ourselves still engaged in making adjustments so that when the time is at hand we will be in a position to use the impulse available in a lawful manner and for the benefit of all concerned. By doing so we will-progress automatically without having to look out for our own benefit. What will be justy due us we shall receive anyway.
As of now, it may mean larger classes or none at all. What is your choice?
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