PREFACE

...[There was] a certain apothecary most skilled in the Chemical Art, known by the name of Starkey George Starkey (1628–1665) was a colonial American physician and alchemist who is now widely identified as the author behind the "Eirenaeus Philalethes" pseudonym, though Faust treats them here as two distinct people., a man quite learned and ingenious, as his writings (to be reviewed below) abundantly testify. Concerning this man, there is a consistent rumor—confirmed even by the judgment original: "calculo" — literally 'by the pebble' or 'calculation,' used here to mean a formal opinion or testimony. of the most Illustrious Boyle himself—that he was American by nationality, having been born in New England. It was there that he found the opportunity to enter into a very close friendship with Philalethes. This friendship was so great that Philalethes entered his chemical workshop on more than one occasion and frequently performed the most elegant experiments of his Art; indeed, he even gave Starkey several pieces of gold as a gift. From these gifts, while he was living sumptuously, it happened—as is often the case when envy intervenes—that he became suspected by Philalethes of having intercepted some of his secrets,

and of having published them prematurely; consequently, he was finally abandoned by him. This was the reason that moved Starkey to depart for Europe. Thus, having arrived in London, he immediately displayed specimens of his singular chemical expertise, which he either attributed to Philalethes or had achieved himself, guided by other examples. It must also not be overlooked that Starkey published many works which clearly align with the teachings of his Master and are, at the very least, derived from his "fields" original: "ex arvis ejus" — a metaphorical way of saying 'from his body of work' or 'foundations'.. Furthermore, he asserted on more than one occasion both that he had seen Philalethes and that he had cultivated a most devoted friendship with him. However, he was unfortunate in this one respect: because he lived quite extravagantly and neglected his private affairs, he suffered a heavy loss of his wealth and thus (as they say) came to a miserable end. This