Collection of Alchemical Treatises

Those to whom God has given this gift do not wish to reveal themselves to Kings, Princes, great masters, and Lords, fearing the threats made to them by philosophers—both ancient and modern—of being moved from inestimable liberty to a servitude that is almost intolerable. I have experienced this myself and have seen it happen to others in many places. Notwithstanding, Sire, setting aside their words and threats, and not relying at all upon their admonitions—however charitable and worthy of note they may be—I know and recognize that Your Royal Majesty is not equal nor similar to those who use such extortions against God and nature toward their faithful servants, after having received from them a Science In this context, "Science" refers to Alchemy or the "Sacred Art" of transformation. producing inestimable treasures. It is regarding these treasures that they very affectionately admonish us not to reveal the

secrets of nature, and to be entirely their antithesis and totally contrary to their nature.

As your subject and obedient servant, casting out all doubt and suspicion, I have taken the boldness to present to you this little treatise which I call The Soul of Natural Philosophy original: "L'ame de philosophie naturelle" which I have composed according to the capacity of my understanding, in order to give rest to Your Royal desire, manifesting to you totally the secret of secrets A common alchemical term (Secretum Secretorum) referring to the ultimate key to the work. of natural philosophy concerning the transmutation of metals, so that you may know the true nature and perfection of it. I do this so that Your Royal Majesty may have the means to stop and close the mouths of so many presumptuous ignoramuses who every day go about deceiving one another, claiming to be learned in such a virtue, of which they never had the slightest knowledge. And this is the cause which for the present has moved and provoked me to offer to you, and...