Preface

...[the right] path, which Nature shows us in all her workings, following it with diligence.

I therefore wish to remind the sincere reader that he should understand my writings not only according to the outward letter The "outward letter" refers to the literal text or superficial instructions, which the author warns can be misleading without an understanding of the underlying natural principles., but according to what Nature is capable of, so that he does not have to regret and lament his time, effort, labor, and expenses in vain and to his own harm.

He should consider that this is a science and Art of the Wise A traditional term for alchemy, implying it is a sacred knowledge reserved for those with both intellect and moral integrity., and not for the unskilled; and that the meaning of the Philosophers In this context, "Philosophers" refers to the ancient and medieval masters of alchemy whose writings were often encoded in allegory. is of a far different nature than can be grasped or understood either by loud-mouthed boasters, or by learned, conceited mockers, nor by those who are consumed by vices against their conscience, and since they cannot advance through any virtue, they undertake to achieve it through roguery and the slandering of honest people; nor finally by inexperienced vagabonds, who with their whitening original: dealbationi; a Latin-derived technical term referring to the alchemical process of "whitening" or purifying a substance to reach the albedo stage of the Great Work.