A rectangular decorative headpiece featuring symmetrical woodcut scrollwork and acanthus leaves, with two winged cherubs (putti) flanking a central floral element.

Preface to the Reader.

A large ornamental woodcut initial 'H' decorated with scrolling foliage and vines.

It is confessed by all, honest reader, that man reflects a summary of the universe original: "universi compendium." This refers to the concept of the Microcosm, the idea that the human body and soul contain the same structures and elements as the entire universe (the Macrocosm). in his own composition, and is destined to live through three kinds of life: namely, the vegetable in the mother's womb, where he grows and increases just like a plant; the sensible, truly in this world, where for the most part he is led by his senses like the rest of the animals, from which he differs because he begins to use his intellect, though imperfectly; and finally the intelligible, in the other world with God and the intelligences or good Angels who assist Him. In this present life, the more one approaches the divine nature, the more he joys and delights in things to be investigated by the intellect—things that are subtle, wonderful, and rare. And conversely, the more one sinks toward the bestial race original: "pecuinum genus," literally "the cattle-like kind.", the less he is captured by these things, and the more he is bound to the baser corporeal senses. We see examples of both: some, as more learned men, are dedicated to those arts and sciences polished by the mind, while many more are given to these [vices], namely pleasures of the body, lust, gluttony, external pomp, and similar things. Moreover, for the cultivation of the intellect, God has hidden infinite secrets original: "arcana." in nature, which are struck out like fire from flint by innumerable sciences and arts and are brought into use. Among these are the Chemical matters... original: "Chymica." In this period, "Chymistry" encompassed both what we now call chemistry and the spiritual/transmutational pursuit of alchemy.