Preface.

...from whom we also are; but from whom we are not, from him we should not learn. As Theophrastus Paracelsus. expressly says, we are not of the Devil, therefore we should also not learn from him. Whoever does not use the light of nature Light of Nature: The "Lumen Naturae," or the divine wisdom implanted in the natural world, which allows humans to understand the properties of plants, minerals, and stars through reason and experience. learns all arts falsely. Therefore, those who write of natural things and forget their Creator / from whom the light of nature has its origin / they cannot write the truth. Thus, the physician should not trust them, nor rely solely on the means of Nature, but rather on the will and blessing of God.

The Astronomy of nature has ten branches Branches: original "membra," literally "members" or parts of a body of knowledge. / as Theophrastus has set them in tables with their specific types original: "Speciebus" / Magic, Necromancy, Spirit-divination original: "Nectromantiam"; likely a variant of necromancy or communication with the spirits of the dead., Astrology, etc. These names will offend many / especially when they read that Theophrastus assigns these branches not only to natural astronomy, but also to Heavenly astronomy and the astronomy of faith.

Now, let everyone consider well what Theophrastus intended to be understood in his writing. The natural branches may be used for harm as well as for benefit. If we cause harm, we misuse them to our own ruin; therefore, we should not do harm, but manifest ourselves through them and serve our neighbor for the honor of God. Theophrastus also indicates how the aforementioned branches may be applied original: "accommodiern" in the other Astronomies. But because of their potential misuse, no one should condemn these branches as devilish arts and sorcery. Otherwise, we would have to forbid wine and beer / do away with gunsmiths and knifesmiths along with many other things and trades. We would even have to burn the entire Bible / since all heresy has drawn its foundation from it. But the slan[derers]— original: "Calum-"; likely "Calumniatoren" (slanderers).