A decorative rectangular woodcut headpiece featuring symmetrical floral and foliage scrollwork with a central flower blossom.

TO THE READER

PREFACE OF BERNARD G. PENO-

TUS OF PORT-SAINTE-MARIE IN AQUI-

TAINE, IN WHICH HE SHOWS

that the entire power and efficacy of the whole art consists in two words. These "two words" likely refer to the famous alchemical maxim Ora et Labora (Pray and Work), which appears at the end of this passage, or perhaps Solve et Coagula (Dissolve and Congeal), the fundamental process of the Work.

THERE is no reason (friend Reader) for me to rub open those long-debated questions in which it is asked: Whether the Art of transmutations original: "Ars transmutationum," referring to the alchemical transformation of base metals into gold. is true; since in the year just passed, I have proven it sufficiently and more than enough by the testimonies and authorities of the most serious men, and since many books have been published on this subject. Therefore, I refer my readers to that preface which I not long ago prefixed to that "Dialogue which is between Nature and the Son of Philosophy." Penot refers here to his own earlier work, typically an introduction to a text by the 14th-century alchemist Bernard of Trevisan. It would indeed be ridiculous if I used repetitions at present; since the Author of this book, CLAVEUS, Gaston Le Doux de Claves (c. 1530–1595), a French lawyer and alchemist who wrote vigorous defenses of the craft. disputing against THOMAS Erastus Thomas Erastus (1524–1583) was a Swiss physician and theologian famous for his fierce intellectual attacks on Paracelsus and the validity of alchemy. and solidly refuting all his arguments with the strongest reasons as well as demonstrations (add also certain experiments), shows and confirms that the Art is true, certain, and easy. For this reason, you who wish the truth of the Art to be proved to you by authorities and examples (Reader), run through this book of CLAVEUS. But before you begin to work, weigh the causes of natural things with prudent counsel, or do not approach the task at all. The incautious, looking at this book at first glance, will become entangled. You (friend Reader) read with great judgment, reread, pray, and work, original: "ora, labora." This is the foundational spiritual and physical command of alchemy: success requires both divine grace through prayer and physical effort in the laboratory. and the God of mysteries