Preface.

the birth from GOD be accomplished, so that we become seeing, then the natural man is transmuted German: "transmutirt." In alchemical thought, this describes the fundamental change from a base, worldly state to a divine, spiritual state—mirroring the process of turning lead into gold., and becomes a Man of GOD, who then can understand the things that are of the Spirit of GOD, and thus also the things that GOD the Lord originally formed and placed into Nature.

Now, those things which GOD the Lord formed and planted into Nature are the first beginnings and principles, the seed of Nature, and the essential essences of the Philosopher’s Stone German: "Steins der Weisen." For alchemists like Fictuld, this was not just a material substance for making gold, but a divine mystery representing the perfection of both matter and spirit., which we have resolved to discuss in the clearest and briefest manner. To this we are driven by the love of Truth, the love of Wisdom, and the love of certain friends—but especially by the great blindness in which the world wanders, possessing a desire and hunger for gold and wealth, while sacrificing its very sustenance and station in life.

However, to make our intention and goodwill truly understandable to you, we have undertaken to provide a visi-