PREFACE

...since water for its nourishment original: "alimoniam"; in alchemical theory, the "stone" is often treated as a living thing that must be fed or sustained with liquid, often called "mercurial water.", a small vessel to contain it, a smaller furnace Furnace: specifically a "furnellus," a small oven or athanor designed to maintain a steady, gentle heat over a long period. to enclose it, and—so that its heat may be fostered—an invisible fire Invisible Fire: "ignis invisibilis"; a central alchemical concept referring to a natural or chemical heat that does not produce a visible flame, often identified with the internal energy of the "Philosophical Mercury" or the heat of fermentation. are all required; nevertheless, because a longer time is necessary—at least a span of two years—excessive activity and haste toward the end could cause you to lose everything. The defense against this will be prudent and solid observation, as well as the introduction provided by this Harmony original: "Harmoniæ"; likely a reference to the title of the work or the systematic arrangement of the alchemical steps., which teaches that there is only one way to this goal, and but one matter One Matter: "materia una"; the concept of the "Prima Materia" or First Matter—the single, universal substance that the alchemist must find and refine to create the Philosopher's Stone.. Therefore, with the names being known,