Natural Philosophy of Three Ancient Philosophers: Artephius, Flamel, and Synesius

Extract of the Royal Privilege.

A large decorative woodcut initial 'P' marks the start of the text, featuring intricate floral patterns and scrollwork.

BY Letters Patent from the King, given at Paris on the 12th day of March, one thousand six hundred and twelve, signed by the King in his Council Ceberet, and sealed with the Great Seal in yellow wax: It is permitted and granted by special privilege to PIERRE ARNAULD, Lord of the ChevalerieSieur de la Chevallerie; Arnauld was a gentleman from the Poitou region of France. in Poitou, to have printed by whomsoever he sees fit, Three Treatises not yet printed, namely: The Secret Book of the Most Ancient Philosopher Artephius Artephius was a legendary figure in alchemy, rumored by tradition to have lived for over a thousand years through the use of the Philosopher's Stone. treating of the occult art and metallic transmutationThe alchemical process of changing base metals, like lead, into noble metals, like gold or silver. in English original: "Latin François"; furthermore, The Hieroglyphic Figures of Nicolas FLAMEL, with their explanation by the said FLAMEL; together with The True Book of the Learned Synesius, a Greek Abbot; and to sell, distribute, and retail them in all places and locations of this Kingdom for a period of ten years, beginning from the day of these presents. This comes with prohibitions and injunctions to all booksellers, printers, and others involved in printing in this Kingdom, not to print them in the Latin, French, or any other language, nor to offer them for sale directly or indirectly during the said time, without the permission or consent of the said Arnauld, under penalty of confiscation of the said books, a fine of two thousand livresA significant sum of money in 17th-century France; the livre was the standard currency before the franc., and all costs, damages, and interests. His Majesty further wills that by placing a summary of the contents of the said privilege at the beginning or end of the said Treatises, it shall be held as duly notified and brought to the knowledge of all.