Meaning: The quote you have provided is from George Ripley, an English alchemist, and it pertains to the process of extracting elements such as air and fire from their "infernal prison" using a method that involves the extraction of phlegm water. This quote is from his work "The Compound of Alchemy," which is a significant text in the history of alchemy.

In the context of alchemy, the extraction of elements such as air and fire is symbolic of the alchemical process of transmutation, which is the transformation of base metals into noble metals such as gold and silver. Alchemists believed that by understanding and manipulating the properties of different elements, they could achieve this transmutation and unlock the secrets of the universe.

Ripley's quote suggests that in the "Second Work," a stage of the alchemical process, the extraction of air and fire can be achieved more naturally and easily by using phlegm water. This implies that there are different methods and stages involved in the alchemical process, and each method has its own unique properties and advantages.

The mention of the "infernal prison" in the quote is also significant in the context of alchemy. In alchemical philosophy, the elements are often associated with spiritual and metaphysical concepts. The idea of extracting elements from their infernal prison can be interpreted as the liberation of the pure essence of these elements from their impure or base state.

Furthermore, the reference to "less losse of their Spirits" in the quote suggests that the method described by Ripley is not only more natural and easy but also preserves the essential qualities or "Spirits" of the elements being extracted. This aligns with the alchemical goal of achieving transmutation without losing the essential properties of the substances involved.

Overall, Ripley's quote reflects the intricate and symbolic language used in alchemical texts to describe the processes and stages of alchemical transformation. It also highlights the belief in the existence of hidden knowledge and the pursuit of spiritual and material perfection through the practice of alchemy.

In conclusion, George Ripley's quote from "The Compound of Alchemy" provides insight into the alchemical process of extracting elements using phlegm water in the "Second Work." It reflects the symbolic and philosophical aspects of alchemy, as well as the belief in the transformation of base elements into noble substances. This quote is a valuable piece of historical and philosophical literature that sheds light on the esoteric world of alchemy and its significance in the development of scientific thought.