PREFACE

...so that this new Doctrine might be subverted. The Patron original: "Patronus"; here referring to a protective head or leader of a guild or academic body of this family was a most greedy old man, and as he was the eldest in age, he began the speech first, after he had received everyone with a formal greeting, saying:

"Brethren and sons sworn to our Profession, it is well known to you that our Doctrine is firmly established; concerning which nothing is to be doubted, since it is so ancient, nor has it ever endured any adversity from the nations that could brand it with a stain. In our days, it is by no means to be allowed that it should perish through this schismatic In this context, "schismatic" refers to a philosophy that breaks away from established tradition, likely the chemical medicine of the Helmontians Doctrine, or that the glory, esteem, and the excellence we have committed to the printed press should perish entirely. Let us strive with all our strength to preserve them: by doing this, we shall make ourselves immortal to our descendants, and we shall carry off a solemn reward for our distinguished deeds. Let us be in harmony, and then we shall achieve much.

First, I will express my own opinion: If anyone among us opposes our purpose, let a fine original: "mulcta" be imposed on him by a majority of votes, suited to each person's means. I, as the first, will bind myself to this written agreement original: "apographo"; and as soon as anyone becomes liable for a fine, the money resulting from it shall be set aside for the purpose of suppressing our enemies. Furthermore, lest discord grow among us, and so that we may conveniently reach a suitable conclusion, it is necessary that everything carried out here be recorded in writing."

To all of this they immediately obeyed, and put it into effect; moreover, they urged him to proceed as he had begun, saying: "These two propositions are just and fair; since through this doctrine of ours we have all acquired wealth, it is also fitting and just that the things gained from it should serve our Doctrine and defend it, so that we may reach even greater riches."

The aforementioned Elder, hearing these things, added with a grateful and pleasant face and gesture: "I consider it most necessary also to win over the other University Faculties original: "Scholarum Facultates", so that they may join us and enter into a mutual alliance, since it affects their interests as well. Once this is obtained, we will soon implore the Magistrate to condemn that seditious little book to the fire, under a further interdict A formal prohibition or ban, often issued by religious or legal authorities, so that those who use it should suffer punishment of their property and body.

Secondly, we should take pains to immediately trick the only son of the author of the said little book, who possesses the rest of the writings by hereditary right. We should promise him a certain sum of money through a third party, as compensation original: "redhostimentum" for his father's books, which we would claim were to be sent to the press. We will pretend to stand on his father's side, so that by this pact we might at least find out where he keeps them hidden, so we might get hold of them to be burned in the fire. For when these see the light of day, we shall suffer even greater losses. Nor would any other remedy be available than to arrange for a book to be published under the author's name containing perverse doctrine or hellish arts original: "stygias artes"; likely referring to magic or heresy to discredit the author, and to scatter it throughout the whole world; also...