The Child-Bed of the Philosopher's Stone

To the Ingenious Reader.

I undertake, through this small treatise, beloved reader, to speak with you of a wonder which all human tongues, even the most eloquent, can never sufficiently praise. In truth, is it not almost an incredible wonder to have understanding of the highest and most secret workings of nature and art, if one possesses the practice original: "Praxin" of the greatest and most excellent Work The "Great Work" (Magnum Opus) is the alchemical process of creating the Philosopher's Stone. which intermediate nature original: "mittlere Natur"; a philosophical concept where the alchemist acts as a bridge or assistant to Nature's own processes. can produce in the whole world. It is a Work that should more properly be performed by angels than men, had not the infinite goodness of God inspired Adam In alchemical tradition, Adam was often considered the first alchemist, possessing perfect knowledge of nature before the Fall. with it, as one of the most rare tokens of His liberal divine generosity, according to the gift He bestowed upon him with the character of the rational soul. This same goodness did not wish for this great generosity to cease with Adam alone, but willed that it should extend from one time to another to several of his wise and God-fearing successors, either through pure revelation, through imperceptible inspiration, or through communication from another, or finally through long and laborious study and investigation; through