PREFACE.

loss and detriment: let the Sons of Hermes original: "Hermetis filij." A traditional title for alchemists or seekers of wisdom who follow the teachings of the legendary Hermes Trismegistus. know for certain that the extraction of souls original: "animarum... extractionem." In alchemical theory, the "soul" refers to the combustible essence or "sulfur" of a metal, which carries its color and transmutative power. as they call them—whether from Gold or from the Moon original: "Luna," meaning Silver. (by whatever common alchemical way)—is a mere delusion. This is indeed not believed by many, but at length it is verified through experience (the one and only mistress of truth), though only at great cost. On the other hand, he who can perform this by the Philosophical way without fraud or deceit—so that he realistically tinctures original: "tingat." To tincture or "dye" a metal was the alchemical term for permanent transmutation, changing its inner nature and outward color. even the smallest amount of metal with the color of the Sun Gold or the Moon (remaining permanent in all required tests, whether with profit or without)—I can rightly affirm that he has the doors of Nature open to investigate further and higher secrets, and to acquire them with the blessing of GOD. Furthermore, I offer these present Treatises, written from my own experience, to the sons of science, so that while they are engaged with every thought and movement of the mind in inquiring into the hidden operations of Nature, they may perceive from them the truth of things and Nature herself; and that they may know in which single Thing the whole of the most holy Philosophical Art