The Secret of Secrets and Other Philosophical Treatises

22. In how many ways health is preserved, and on the utility of the letter and the rule of living.
23. On the three remedies and customs to be observed.
24. On the four seasons of the year and their qualities.
25. On the four principal ways of preserving health.

The first prologue begins.

This book is titled the Secret of Secrets original: "secretum secretorum", which the prince of philosophers, Aristotle, produced for the monk The Latin reads "monachum" (monk), though in many versions of this text it is "monarcham" (monarch); the medieval scribe may have conflated the two. of Macedonia at the request of his disciple Alexander the Emperor, son of Philip, King of the Greeks. This Alexander is said to have had two horns A reference to "Dhu al-Qarnayn," a legendary figure often identified with Alexander the Great in Eastern and medieval traditions, symbolizing his rule over the East and West.. Moreover, he composed this book in his old age and in the weakness of his body, because of which he could not endure the daily labors of writing to Emperor Alexander, nor carry out his business. For Alexander had appointed him as overseer and master, whom he had chosen and loved, because he was a man of sound counsel, of great learning, of penetrating intellect, vigilant in legal studies, graceful in manners, and [devoted to] spiritual and contemplative sciences, charitable, beloved, humble, a lover of justice, a bearer of truth; and for this reason many philosophers considered him to be among the number of the prophets. It is found

even in the ancient books of the Greeks that the High God sent His angel to him, saying: "Call your name Angel rather than Man." Truly, among great portents, miracles, and strange works—which would be too long to recount all in order. Thus, concerning his death, there are diverse opinions. For some claim, through secrets that are called prophetic, that he ascended on high to the empyrean heaven The highest, most spiritual part of the heavens in medieval cosmology. in a column of fire.

While he lived, therefore, Alexander grew strong through the observation of his [Aristotle's] sound counsel and the changing of his conduct; and so he subjugated cities to himself, and triumphantly acquired all kingdoms, and held the monarchy of the whole world. His fame went out into every land, and through all the world's climates original: "climata"; referring to the geographical zones or latitudes of the earth., all peoples and diverse nations subjected themselves to his empire, nor was there any nation that dared to resist him in deed or in word. Furthermore, Aristotle wrote countless moral letters to Alexander because of the great love he had for him. One of these letters is indeed here, through which he replied to Alexander. For when Alexander subjugated the Persians to himself and captured their nobles, he directed his letter to Aristotle in this form:

Letter of King Alexander to Aristotle.

O excellent tutor original: "tutor egregie", ruler of justice, I make known to your prudence that I have found in the land of the Persians...