To the Reader.

...of all things contained in the world. He divided these things into three "kingdoms" (as he calls them): namely, mineral, vegetable, and animal. He excelled in the correct understanding of these three kingdoms. Furthermore, he achieved and passed down to future generations original: "posterity"—although in an enigmatic and obscure style—the knowledge of the quintessence the purest essence or "fifth element" beyond the four physical elements of the whole universe (which, as I said before, he divided into three parts). This is otherwise called the "Great Elixir of the Philosophers," which is the receptacle of all celestial and terrestrial virtues. Many people ignorantly deny this secret, and many have sought after it at great expense original: "chargeably"; yet a few have successfully found it—including some Englishmen. The description of this great treasure is said to be found engraved...