DEDICATION

...[the] mass [of metal] were fused together and approved by public authority. Therefore, the Truth of this more divine art will remain entirely established, provided that he who is to work at it possesses a most accurate skill not only in Metallurgy term: Metallurgy (metallurgia). The study of extracting metals from their ores and the physical/chemical behavior of metallic elements. but also in Chemistry, and has everything at hand which can serve equally as an aid and an adornment. Among these requirements, no small expenses easily hold the first place; by their help, and through long practice and frequent experiments, this golden

DEDICATION

vein is to be extracted from that well of Democritus Democritus, the ancient Greek philosopher, was famously quoted as saying that "Truth lies at the bottom of a well." In this context, the author suggests that alchemical truth is deeply hidden and requires great effort to reach.. But I do not wish to dwell longer on these things, both because of Truth itself, which intercedes for me, and because the matter has been so often confirmed by the most weighty judgment of so many great men across the whole expanse of Europe. I judge that this rather is what I must now do: to solicit your favor, Illustrious Fathers of this Republic The "Fathers of the Republic" likely refers to the governing council or magistrates of the city where the book was published., so that you might look upon this Philalethes term: Philalethes (Eirenaeus Philalethes). A famous pseudonym for an anonymous 17th-century alchemist, whose name translates to "a peaceful lover of truth." He was considered a primary authority on the "Philosopher's Stone.", the supreme Doctor of the more abstruse Chemical science, and me, his Interpreter, with the rays of your kindness, and among