The Works of Geber (1678)

But alas! It is found by experience,
That our empty vessels make the loudest sound.

And (what is more to be lamented) men who have scarcely seen the first entrances of Chemistry, or at most are but beginners original: "Tyro's" in that most necessary (though much abused) science, account themselves sufficiently accomplished if they are confident enough to boast at the rate of masters. Indeed, they boast more than good masters in that art dare to do. For every conscientious man practiced in chemistry sees reason original: "cause" enough to lay his hand upon his mouth A gesture of humility or silence.; and yet he does not neglect to do what good he can without blowing a trumpet. He who does otherwise may very well be suspected; for (according to the common proverb) good wine needs no bush An old proverb meaning that a good product does not need an advertisement or a sign (the "bush") to attract customers., and every well-performed work commends its own worker.

It is recorded of the famous painter Apelles that after he finished any eminent piece, he always exposed it to public view before he dared to commend it (as a perfect work) to the person for whom he made it. His goal in this, as histories amply relate, was that he might hear himself praised or dispraised from the mouths of others. From this, he would be able (prudently guessing by what he heard) to correct and amend his own errors.

If physicians of our time did, in imitation of Apelles, expose their works for the same end, and would—upon just and undeniable criticism original: "censures"—endeavor to amend their errors, then their frequent publications would be highly commendable; but it is otherwise. Yet charity forbids me to attribute this to greed original: "avarice", fraud, or ambition (vices abominable in all men, especially in physicians), but rather to other less injurious causes, such as ignorance and a want of certain experience. In amending these, this book may prove very serviceable: be—