I N D E X

OF THE FIRST BOOK OF THE SUMMA

Of Geber, the most clear-sighted philosopher,

Preface on the perfection of the mastery in its own nature.

Chapter 1. Concerning the obstacles by which the practitioner of this work is hindered, in general discourse.
Chapter 2. Concerning obstacles on the part of the body. This likely refers to the physical health and stamina required for long alchemical operations.
Chapter 3. Concerning obstacles on the part of the soul. Geber argues that an alchemist must possess specific mental and moral qualities, such as patience and a lack of greed, to succeed.
Chapter 4. Concerning obstacles arising from accidental chance.
Chapter 5. Concerning those things which the practitioner artificem Literally "the artist"; in alchemical texts, this refers to the skilled operator who assists nature in the laboratory. must consider.
Chapter 6. Concerning the persuasions of the Sophists. "Sophists" here refers to those who use clever but false logic to argue that alchemy is impossible.
Chapter 7. Concerning the natural principles upon which nature founds its action.
Chapter 8. Concerning the solutions to the persuasions of the Sophists.
Chapter 9. Concerning the reasons of those who deny the art based on given premises.
Chapter 10. Concerning those who suppose the art exists in spirits In alchemy, "spirits" are volatile substances that can be vaporized by heat, specifically mercury, sulfur, arsenic, and sal ammoniac..
Chapter 11. Concerning those who suppose the art exists in bodies, stones, salts, alums, boraxes original: "baurachijs"; refers to various alkaline salts used as fluxes to help metals melt., or growing things Likely referring to the "vegetable" or organic kingdom..
Chapter 12. Concerning the natural principles of Mercury, Sulfur, and Arsenic.
Chapter 13. Concerning Sulfur.
Chapter 14. Concerning Arsenic.
Chapter 15. Concerning Mercury.
Chapter 16. Concerning the metallic bodies which are the effects of the principle...