First Chapter.

...demonstrated their philosophy, in that they offered the noblest things—namely the Light or Sulfur Sulfur: In alchemical theory, Sulfur represents the "soul" or the active, internal fire of a substance, one of the three primary principles alongside Mercury and Salt of the three kingdoms The "three kingdoms" refers to the traditional division of nature into Vegetable, Mineral, and Animal (such as myrrh and frankincense from the vegetable kingdom, gold from the mineral, and from the animal kingdom, themselves—namely their immortal light or soul)—to the heavenly light or radiance of the glory of God, and to the image of His essence (γ) Hebrews 1:3 original: "Heb. 1, 3". Furthermore, as such Sages or Kings corresponded with one another in this science, they sealed their packets (which were made of young tree bark) with crystal. This crystal they could instantly soften like dough using their philosophical water Philosophical Water: A secret alchemical solvent used to dissolve and transform hard substances, and just as quickly harden again with another substance, after they had pressed their seal upon it. Their entire art was depicted hieroglyphically on these seals, from which the recipient—even before breaking the seal—could recognize not only that it came from a master of the Art, but also see at once how far the sender had progressed within it.

From this, it is not only clearly evident why it is still called the Royal Art today, but also from where and how the first nobility and their coats of arms originated. And since these wise and great men did not always have descendants or children to whom they could pass on such an Art (for it is not something that can be inherited), the descendants...