The Works of Geber (1678)

chemistry (which, being my first essay original: "Essay"; an initial attempt or trial in that kind of learning, I must confess was not as well performed as I intend that book shall be if a second edition original: "Impression" of it is made in my time); of Beguinus his Tyrocinium Jean Beguin’s Tyrocinium Chymicum (1610), a foundational chemistry textbook; of Helvetius his Golden Calf Johann Friedrich Helvetius’s Vitulus Aureus (1667), a famous account of alchemical transmutation; all made public some years ago; together with that of the Triumphant Chariot of Antimony A famous work by Basil Valentine, with Kerckring’s original: "Kirkringius"; Theodor Kerckring, a Dutch anatomist and chemist notes on it (though not the small piece by Synesius annexed to it) lately published.

But finding some people too ready, as the saying goes, to thrust their sickle into another man's harvest A metaphor for taking credit for someone else's work or interfering in their business, I am now at last forced to add my name here. I am resolved to do so from now on whenever any other works translated by me (through the favor of God) shall be exposed to public view.

For, besides the large volume of the works of Raymond Lully Ramon Llull (c. 1232–1315), a Majorcan philosopher and mystic to whom many alchemical works were attributed now ready for the press—not to mention other pieces on various subjects, of which I have translated many for private individuals—I have translated into English the greatest part of the works of Paracelsus Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim (1493–1541), a Swiss physician and alchemist. I have completed two of his three volumes, and about half of the third, which I intend to finish (if God permits) as time, opportunity, or encouragement shall be offered.

Reader, I could mention more here; but considering that no man has anything that he has not received A reference to 1 Corinthians 4:7, and timely remembering that poetic admonition:

original Latin: Nullum decet esse superbum; / Qui sic inflatur, deferit omne Bonum

I here conclude, subscribing myself (as I always desire to be) your real friend,

May 3rd, 1678. From my                   Richard Russell.
house at the Star in
Newmarket in Wap-
ping, near the Dock.