'But look here,' said Arthur, 'didn't Paracelsus, like most of
these old fellows, in the course of his researches make any
practical discoveries?'
'I prefer those which were not practical,' confessed the doctor,
with a smile. 'Consider for example the Tinctura
Physicorum, which neither Pope nor Emperor could buy with all
his wealth. It was one of the greatest alchemical mysteries, and,
though mentioned under the name of The Red Lion in many
occult works, was actually known to few before Paracelsus, except
Hermes Trismegistus and Albertus Magnus. Its preparation was
extremely difficult, for the presence was needed of two perfectly
harmonious persons whose skill was equal. It was said to be a red
ethereal fluid. The least wonderful of its many properties was its
power to transmu
