Sorcerer's Hand
"This is the hand of the philosophers with their seven secret signs to which the ancient sages were bound. The thumb: Just as the thumb powerfully closes the hand, so does saltpetre do in art. The index finger: Next to salpetre vitriol is the strongest salt. It penetrates all metals. the middle finger Sal ammoniac shines through all metals. The ring or gold finger: alum gleams through the metals It has a wonderful natire of subtle Spiritus. The ear finger: common salt is the key to art. The palm: the fish is Mercury, the fire Sulphur" J. I. Hollandus, Chymische Schriften, Vienna 1773" Illustration in The Hermetic Museum: Alchemy & Mysticism by Alexander Roob. Köln ; New York: Taschen, c2001. QD25 .R58712 2001 via crossett library
