DEDICATION

...-[in]deed The Latin text begins with the suffix "-dem," likely completing the word "quidem" (indeed) from the previous page. these steps are most necessary for all those scrutinizing the secrets of nature, and especially for the sons of Physicians term: sons of Physicians (Medicorum filii). A traditional way of referring to students of medicine or those within the medical profession.; no one, I believe, who considers the matter in the right way, will call this into doubt. But as for Alchemy term: Alchemy (Alchemia). The author treats Alchemy as the highest "step" of science, distinct from basic chemistry by its spiritual requirements and its focus on the "most divine" secrets of matter., a far different account must surely be held. Since it is granted by a singular favor of the Divine Power original: "Numinis beneficio." Referring to the will or grace of God. and lies hidden in secret, it falls to none but those who know how to seek the divine blessing through sanctity of life and conduct and long experience in practical matters. Hence, it can easily be separated from abuse and be restored to its rightful purity. Meanwhile,

DEDICATION

thus my reasoning suggests that the golden saying of the Poet must be entirely kept in mind: Nothing in excess original: "Ne quid nimis." A famous classical proverb (often attributed to the Seven Sages of Greece and used by poets like Terence) advocating for moderation and caution.. This is both because that most divine of Arts lies hidden in secret, and because it is not permitted for everyone to go to Corinth original: "non omnibus Corinthum adire liceat." A classical proverb meaning that not everyone has the means, the talent, or the divine favor to achieve a difficult or expensive goal., unless one happens to be equipped with solid reasons and the most certain experiments, or by some singular Gift of the Divine Power. By which very fact, however, I by no means make the certainty or the truth of this principal Art ambiguous; for who is so witless or absurd as to wish to call into doubt that which...