E P I S T L E

...dedicated: Thus, since this T R I P O D crafted by Vulcan In mythology, Vulcan (Hephaestus) was the god of fire and smithing. In alchemy, the "Tripod" often refers to the three-legged stand for the furnace or the chemical work itself. has come into my hands, moved by the example of Pelops According to legend, the hero Pelops dedicated a golden tripod to Apollo. Maier is framing his book as a similarly sacred or valuable offering., I have decided to consecrate and offer it to a most worthy place and order—and indeed before all others, to your Most Distinguished and Most Excellent [Lordships]. This is not with the intention that Oracles might be drawn from it (though neither those, nor chemical original: "chymica." In this period, "chemical" and "alchemical" were used interchangeably to describe the study of matter and its transformations. secrets, can be found wanting here), but so that I might publicly testify in some way my readiness of mind and benevolent will toward you.

A few years ago, during my travels—while I was then serving as a medical councilor to His Imperial Majesty RUDOLF II Rudolf II (1552–1612), Holy Roman Emperor, was a famous patron of the occult sciences, alchemy, and the arts. (of divine memory)—you wished to declare through a servant with what spirit you regarded my Master: namely, a most excellent spirit and one most worthy of your status. From that time, I have always not only praised your virtues among foreigners with words as much as I could, but I have also applied myself to this: to reveal my mind to you more clearly through a physical object and to pour it out more abundantly.

Since I perceived that this could not be done except through some small literary gift original: "Xeniolo," from the Greek "xenion," a gift given by a host to a guest or vice versa., and having spent no little effort on this Atalanta Fleeing, I wished to dedicate all of it, whatever it may be, to your Most Distinguished and Most Excellent [Lordships]. In this, I have imitated the writers of our own and ancient times, who never wished to go out among the common people, or to "walk upon the lips of men" A classical idiom meaning to be famous or talked about., without a Scipio Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus; Maier uses the Roman general's name here as a synonym for a powerful, protective patron. as a leader or companion. For if they had fallen, who would have come to their aid? I ask that I may be permitted to call you the Patrons of this little work—not because you have applied your hand or mind to this study (which is truly a doubtful one), as far as I know,

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