A decorative typographical border at the top of the page consists of three horizontal rows. The top and bottom rows feature repeating inverted heart or leaf-like motifs, while the middle row contains smaller repeating decorative scroll-like flourishes.

To the Present Readers.

It will perhaps be questioned by the envious for what purpose these pages are made public original: "prostituted." In this context, it means to expose or offer up for public view, often used by authors to suggest they are making something sacred common., and especially that medicine original: "Drug." Used here to mean a chemical or medicinal substance. wrapped in them, the Philosopher's Stone. To these people, Solomon answers: "There is a time to cast away stones" (Ecclesiastes 3:5). And truly, I must confess I cast away this Stone, for I misplace it; I contribute that to the building original: "Fabrick." The physical structure or framework of a building. which the builders in all ages have refused A biblical allusion to Psalm 118:22, "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner," often used in alchemy to describe the "hidden" nature of the Stone.. But lest I seem to act without purpose original: "Sine proposito.", I must tell you I do it not for this generation, for they are as far from fire as the author is from smoke Vaughan implies his contemporaries lack spiritual heat or enlightenment, while his own work is solid and not a "smoky" deception.. Understand me if you can, for I have told you an honest truth. I write books as the old Roman planted trees: "For posterity and the immortal gods" original: "Posteris & Diis immortalibus." A quote from Cicero's "On Old Age," describing the act of planting for future generations rather than oneself.—for the glory of God and the benefit of posterity. It is my design to transfer my reputation to a better age, for in this one I would not care to enjoy it.