DEDICATION

[through pure] experiment and experience, have produced and proven great help, benefits, and the advancement of health for the human race. Thus, there are certainly still many in this our time who practice and engage in this Art, applying great expense and diligence; of these, some undoubtedly arrive at perfection original: "perfection." In an alchemical context, this refers to the successful completion of the "Great Work" or the highest level of chemical purity and knowledge. and are gifted with it by God. For God the Almighty allows everything to flourish for the benefit of the human race and gladly shares His gifts when He is petitioned and called upon.

However, among many others who are exceedingly experienced and instructed in this Art—those who understand the true, right essence original Latin: "Essentiam" — the fundamental, spiritual nature of a substance that remains after impurities are removed. of every thing, the experiment of Nature, the true exalted Stone original Latin: "Lapidem excelsum" — a reference to the Philosopher's Stone, the legendary substance capable of transmuting metals and healing all illnesses., the divine gift original Latin: "datum" — literally "the thing given," referring back to the "good and perfect gift" from God mentioned on the previous page....