The Works of Geber (1678)

dily be brought to effect. And because finding out the Reason of Art is one thing, and attempting and proving the subtleties and complexities of these things is another, until by operating, searching, and experiencing, the intended completion is attained; therefore, whatever we found out by the things declared (I mean, of things perfecting Art), we have written here according to the intention of our Mind. Yet, let no man think that we composed this Investigation before our Book, which is entitled The Sum of the Perfection of the Magistery; in which, whatever we saw and handled, we have completely described, according to the Order of Science, with experience and certain knowledge, which we acquired by our scrutiny exercised about? the effects of natural and mineral things, and the various transmutations apparent in the work. And we have explained our science, previously composed, with this Commentary of Investigation, which we purposely wrote for that end; therefore, by right, this must precede that, since by this book I am to make an Inquiry about the Thing Perfecting.