A decorative woodcut headpiece consisting of three horizontal rows: the top row features nine stylized floral or fleur-de-lis motifs, while the bottom two rows consist of repeating interlocking calligraphic scroll patterns.

Preface to the Rea-

der.

I cannot help but won-
der that the adversaries of Paracelsus Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim (1493–1541), a Swiss physician and alchemist who pioneered the use of chemicals and minerals in medicine.,
since they have no just slanders that they might
justly thrust upon him, only accuse him of writ-
ing obscurely and of concealing his secrets original: arcana; in alchemical terms, these are the hidden "mysteries" or powerful medicinal essences of substances. concerning his studies with invented words;
just as the adversaries of Jan Baptist van Helmont A 17th-century Flemish chemist and physician who was deeply influenced by Paracelsus but also criticized established medical dogmas.
stimulate him by continually agitating and irri-
tating him to draw out his secrets—acquired with
much sweat and expense—to bring them into the
light, and to openly reveal them, whether willing
or unwilling, even without gratitude, to those
who gape with envy. But those spears which they
have hurled at this eminent man should rightly
be turned back against themselves. Nor can I
fail to accuse Weyer the Physician original: Wierum Medicum; referring to Johann Weyer (1515–1588), a Dutch physician known for his opposition to the persecution of witches and his work on medicine., who,
observing that Paracelsus had cured his sick
patients almost to the point of miracles,